Public Meetings - Nashville, Tennessee

The Metropolitan Council Budget and Finance Committee, chaired by Councilmember Porterfield, convened a hearing on May 15, 2024, to review the proposed Fiscal Year 2025 budget for the Nashville Fire Department (NFD) and Emergency Medical Services (EMS). Chief Keith Swan presented the department's achievements, challenges, and funding requests. The meeting began with procedural clarifications regarding budget discrepancies between the ordinance and budget book. Budget Process Clarifications - Aaron Pratt, Budget Officer, explained that variances between the mayor's recommended budget ordinance and the operating budget book arise because pay plan funds are centrally budgeted until council approves the final amount, then distributed to departments in July/August. Councilmember Allen confirmed that the total appropriation includes a $41.7 million pay plan improvements account that is later debited to departments. Fire and EMS Department Presentation - Chief Swan emphasized the department's high call volume: nearly 160,000 incidents with 321,000 responses in the past year. He highlighted property saved through aggressive firefighting, lives saved through rapid EMS intervention, and extensive training (over 3,000 hours weekly). The department has achieved state and national leadership in special operations, including a team deployed to Texas for storm response. - Staffing: 187 new hires in the last year (three recruit classes), 82 departures due to attrition. All trucks are now fully staffed with four firefighters. The department introduced eight squad trucks to reduce wear on expensive apparatus. - Key budget requests included: a staffing office, expansion of the REACH program, a special operations response team, and additional crisis counselor positions. Discussion Items - REACH Program: Currently operates Tuesday–Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., with two vehicles, two medics, and two clinicians. Expansion to weekends and later hours (up to midnight) would require 5 FTEs at a cost of $753,900. Current funding maintains service levels, with about 70% of patient contacts resulting in non-ER dispositions (either diversion to mental health facilities or leaving at home with a safety plan). No bill is generated for REACH transports. - Unfilled FTEs: The department has 47 vacancies even after upcoming recruit classes. Unspent salary funds can be used for one-time needs (e.g., medical supplies) with finance approval; remaining funds revert to the general fund at year-end. Bonuses are currently prohibited for all general government departments, a policy that has been in place for several years. - Ambulance Billing: Current rate is $650 per transport plus $13 per loaded mile. This flat rate applies regardless of treatment. However, Medicare, Medicaid, and indigent populations reduce actual collections. The last rate evaluation was in 2015; a new evaluation is planned due to rising costs. - South Nashville Truck Company: A request for a new aerial truck company in South Nashville/Antioch to address growing call volumes and slower response times. Chief Swan noted the area is overdue for a new station. - Downtown Fire Services: Stations in the downtown core are at maximum capacity, with the busiest fire station in the nation (Station 9). The department is using creative approaches (ATVs, fast car processes) and is in planning discussions for the East Bank development, which will require additional resources. - Mental Health Support for Staff: NFD onboarded its first crisis counselor this year, who works with a peer support team. Additional counselors are needed to address the mental health toll on first responders. - Special Operations Response Team: A request for 18 FTEs to create a dedicated team for hazmat, swiftwater, and other statewide response, preventing the need to pull personnel from regular beat coverage. Key Outcomes - No formal votes were taken; the committee will consider requests during budget work sessions (starting May 28) and the public hearing on June 4. - Councilmember Evans requested that the health, fire, and police departments provide publicly available data on the effectiveness of the REACH program and Partners in Care to ensure continued funding is justified. - Chief Swan expressed appreciation for the proposed 3.5% cost-of-living adjustment (plus steps, totaling at least 6.5% for most employees) but noted retention remains a nationwide challenge. - The committee confirmed that salary savings from vacancies cannot be used for ongoing pay increases, and bonuses remain prohibited for general government employees.

The Budget and Finance Committee of the Metro Nashville Council held a hearing on May 14, 2024, to review the proposed 2025 budget for Nashville General Hospital (NGH). Dr. Joseph Webb, CEO, and Dr. Bruce Naylmore, CFO, presented the hospital's financial outlook, challenges, and requested support from the city. The hearing focused on the hospital's role as a safety-net institution, its relationship with Meharry Medical College, and the impact of proposed funding levels. Discussion Items - Budget Request and Administration Recommendation: NGH initially requested $63.8 million in city support for its $154 million 2025 budget. The administration recommended $59.55 million, a 3% increase over 2024 funding. Dr. Webb noted that balancing the budget at this level would require painful cuts, including reducing contract labor, ending a recruitment contract ($513,000/year), and cutting a rheumatology contract ($230,000/year). - Revenue and Expenses: NGH projects $152.4 million in total revenue for 2025, including $61.1 million in self-generated patient revenue and $31.7 million from state/federal sources. Salary expenses are expected to rise 6.9%, partly due to hiring new physicians (obstetrician, cardiologist, oncologist) and a 5% annual increase for current staff. The hospital faces a projected $320,000 loss. - Historical Funding Levels: Dr. Naylmore showed that city support dropped from $52 million in 2018 to $43.1 million in 2020, then rose to $47.6 million in 2022 and $57.8 million in 2024. The average annual increase from 2018 to 2025 would be 1.9% if the $59.55 million is approved. - Challenges with Meharry Medical College: Dr. Webb discussed the strained relationship, including inaccurate information reported at a previous board meeting. They have scheduled biweekly meetings to work through issues. A major issue involved Meharry failing to provide resident rosters on time for the state's graduate medical education (GME) funding, costing NGH $1.1 million in 2024. Dr. Webb now has the rosters for 2025 and expects to recover the funding, but an amendment to the provider services agreement (PSA) is needed to share funds with Meharry. - Legacy Pension and Security Costs: NGH pays $2.4 million annually for a legacy pension related to closed Bordeaux and Knowles facilities. Additionally, the hospital now pays $1.3 million for private security after Metro stopped providing sheriff's deputies, though NGH continues to provide free healthcare to Metro inmates. Council members expressed concern about this inequity. - Staff Retention and Recruiting: Dr. Webb noted high turnover among nurses due to travel contracts offering $70/hour versus NGH's $35-40/hour. NGH has 60 open nursing positions and 75 total vacancies. Contract labor costs rose from $2 million in 2019 to $13.2 million projected for 2024. - Food Pharmacy Program: Dr. Webb highlighted the hospital's food pharmacy, which provides healthy food to patients. It has reduced emergency department visits and improved cancer survivorship rates. - Facility and Capital Needs: Councilman Toombs questioned why capital repairs (e.g., $400,000 roof repair) are included in the operating budget. Dr. Webb noted the hospital is responsible for all repairs in its leased building (a triple-net lease) and has a $20 million deferred capital needs list. The city provided $1.8 million from the 4% fund and $7 million in surplus funds for FY24. - Relationship with Meharry: Council members urged collaboration. Dr. Webb explained that the two institutions have different missions: Meharry teaches, NGH treats patients. They are seeking a balanced relationship and exploring a new state-of-the-art teaching hospital. Key Outcomes - No formal vote was taken; the hearing was informational for the budget committee. - Council members requested an itemized list of deferred capital needs from NGH. - The committee will follow up with the Sheriff's Office regarding the security cost imbalance. - NGH will continue biweekly meetings with Meharry and work on amending the PSA to share GME funds. - The budget hearing series continues the next day with Fire/EMS, Sheriff, Police, and Public Defender.

The Metro Public Health Department presented its budget requests and provided an overview of recent achievements and ongoing initiatives to the committee on May 14, 2024. Director Dr. Gil Wright led the presentation, followed by questions from council members covering topics such as animal control, community safety programming, family planning services, and behavioral health. No formal votes were taken; the session was informational. Department Overview and Achievements - Dr. Wright highlighted the department's mission and team of over 600 workers. Key accomplishments included mitigating a potential meningococcal outbreak, conducting routine restaurant inspections, and serving 22,000 participants in the WIC program. - The department administered over 4,300 flu shots last season, and the addition of a full-time vaccine clinic coordinator improved access. - Metro Animal Care and Control celebrated over 1,700 adoptions last year, aided by a new animal behaviorist position. - Interpreters were moved from grant to local funding, allowing more in-person services. - The Nashville Strong Babies program, initially targeting high-infant-mortality zip codes, is expanding countywide. - The department continues to focus on behavioral health, school health nurses, sexual health (including PrEP), and air quality monitoring. Q&A and Discussion Animal Care and Control - Chair Evans asked about making positions more appealing. Dr. Wright noted that last year's salary increases and stable management (citing Director Ashley) have helped; only 6 positions were unfilled, 2 due to recent promotions. - Regarding spay/neuter capacity, Dr. Wright mentioned adding a second vet and vet techs last year, and recently adjusting the salary range for vets. The department is exploring grants for external spay/neuter clinics. Community Safety Programming - Chair Evans and Councilmember Gamble inquired about the transition of community safety from the mayor's office to the health department. Dr. Wright stated that about 90% of contracts are performing well, and the department is hiring approximately 30 staff in the next month or two, funded by a combination of grants (DOJ, opioid, etc.). - A $1 million unspent cure violence allocation remains with the original oversight group, not yet transferred to the health department. Dr. Wright indicated willingness to proceed if council revisits it. - The department is considering creating a new bureau for behavioral health and community safety. - Chair Evans asked about funding for existing community safety organizations under the O'Connell administration; Dr. Wright believed it is included in the budget, but discussions are ongoing. Family Planning and Clinic Services - Councilwoman Quinn Evan Siegel asked about family planning services. Dr. Wright clarified they include birth control, preconception care, STD testing, and cancer screenings. The Woodbine clinic has a wait time of several months for appointments; three additional positions were requested to expand capacity. The department is 60% grant-funded. School Health Nurses - Councilmember Pepsi asked about school nurse coverage. Dr. Wright stated the goal is a nurse in every school, with some larger schools having multiple nurses. ESSER funds are expiring but will bridge into FY26. The health department supervises nurses hired by Metro Nashville Public Schools through an MOU. Air Quality and Emissions Testing - Councilmember Nash and Councilmember Allen inquired about air emissions testing. Dr. Wright confirmed that the program ended, but two engineers continue to monitor air quality. He noted newer vehicles are cleaner. Councilmember Allen requested updated annual reports on the website; Dr. Wright agreed to follow up. Behavioral Health and Health Care for the Homeless - Councilmember Huffman asked about the health care for the homeless program (a grant to Neighborhood Health) and the new behavioral health services program. Dr. Wright explained that a clinician now leads behavioral health, and the department aims to place a counselor in each clinic within the next year, also supporting opioid pilot programs. Syphilis and STI Trends - Chair asked about rising syphilis cases. Dr. Wright attributed the increase to a shortage of injectable penicillin (due to a tornado damaging storage) and to dating apps making contact tracing difficult. The department is cross-training disease investigators and continuing outreach. Dr. Wright confirmed that current funding is sufficient for education and resources. Opioid Settlement and Health Equity Bureau - Dr. Wright mentioned that a proposal for opioid settlement funds will come to council soon. He also noted that the former health equity bureau has been renamed to People and Culture, with a health equity division within it. Key Outcomes - No formal decisions or votes were taken; the session was a budget presentation and Q&A. - Dr. Wright confirmed that Partners in Care and REACH programs are fully funded in the proposed budget (pending council approval). - The department will provide written answers to council members' questions via email (to Director Darby and Maria) for details on the 30 new positions and grant funding breakdown. - The $1 million unspent cure violence fund remains with the original oversight group; the health department is prepared to utilize it if reallocated by council. - The health department is open to meeting individually with council members for further discussion. Note: No agenda or minutes were available for this meeting; all information is derived from the transcript.

Director April Calvin of the Office of Homeless Services (OHS) presented an update on the department's first 10 months, including key statistics, program achievements, and budget needs. Council committee members asked questions about data collection, funding sustainability, outreach, and specific programs like the cold weather shelter and Strobel Center. No formal votes were taken; the presentation was informational with discussions of future funding requests. Discussion Items - OHS Overview and Leadership: Director Calvin introduced the OHS leadership team, noting the department has 29 employees (plus 3 grant-funded and 6 ARPA-funded positions). - Data and Homelessness Statistics: - As of March 2024, 53% of unhoused individuals in Nashville are African American. - In the last year, four encampments were closed, housing 189 individuals with a 90% retention rate. - Over the past 12 months, 1,927 people were housed. - In the last month, 185 people were housed; 70 experienced chronic homelessness. - For every one person housed, 2.5 enter homelessness. - The average age of death for unhoused individuals is 52 (down from 54 the previous year). - HMIS and Data Improvements: OHS improved the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS), including syncing data from the largest shelter for the first time. Better data collection is showing increased first-time homelessness entries, which is partly due to improved tracking. - Coordinated Entry: OHS operates the coordinated entry hotline, receiving 400-600 calls per month. They seek to acquire four positions to manage it. - Cold Weather Shelter: OHS is taking over operation of the cold weather shelter from Metro Social Services. Staff will work extra hours (paid as overtime or comp time). The current building (old school) is not ideal, and a new location may be needed due to possible construction. - Strobel Center: Permanent supportive housing for 90 individuals (45 chronically homeless, plus veterans, unaccompanied youth aged 18-24, and others). A provider from Philadelphia is being vetted. Initial startup costs will be presented to the council in upcoming weeks. - Funding and Budget: - OHS increased annual federal awards from $5M to nearly $10M in two years; still low for Nashville's size. - Original budget request was larger; a 1.4% cost savings may affect programming (direct care funding). - ARPA-funded positions include housing navigators and HMIS data specialist. - Sustainability plan (Phase 3) to replace ARPA funding after mid-2026. - OHS will request approximately $5M in additional ARPA funds to bridge funding for Strobel Center and interim housing. - Diversity and Outreach: - OHS staff speak English, Spanish, Portuguese, and Somali. - Outreach team has 8 workers plus a manager; a lead will be added (total 10). - Director Calvin highlighted outreach coordinator Hannah Monike's effectiveness (commended by Councilmember Webb). - Pods Discussion: Councilmember Evans updated on fire marshal issues with container-like pods; discussions ongoing with state fire marshal about potential use. - Youth and LGBTQ+ Services: OHS partners with OASIS and Launchpad for housing and support for LGBTQ+ youth. - Eviction Prevention: OHS is coordinating with the Financial Assistance Network and Judge Rachel Bell to restart eviction prevention efforts. Key Outcomes - No formal votes were taken; the presentation was for information and discussion. - OHS plans to request additional ARPA funding (approximately $5M) at the ARPA committee meeting the following day. - Council members expressed support for OHS's work and asked for follow-up on data equity, sustainability, and pod usage. - OHS will continue efforts to improve data collection and increase federal funding applications. - Councilmember Evans will continue working on pod approval with the state fire marshal. - OHS will seek collaborative support from other Metro departments for cold weather shelter staffing.

The Budget and Finance Committee, chaired by Councilmember Porterfield, met on May 14, 2024, to begin budget hearings and review the proposed budget for the Metropolitan Social Services Department. The meeting included announcements about the budget timeline, community meetings, and a presentation from Social Services Director Renee Pratt. Discussion Items - Budget Process Announcements: Chair Porterfield outlined the budget hearing schedule (starting at 4 p.m. on May 14, 15, 16, and two days next week), the deadline for the first wish list iteration (May 23), budget work sessions beginning May 28, a public hearing on June 4 at 6:30 p.m., and the final wish list due date (June 6). She also announced community meetings: May 18 at the Northwest YMCA (2 p.m.), and May 25 at the Southeast Community Center (10 a.m.) and Hermitage Library (2 p.m.). Councilmembers were encouraged to attend and to display yellow committee signs. - Social Services Department Presentation: Director Renee Pratt, joined by CFO Andrew Sullivan, provided an update on the department. Highlights included: - The opening of a new office at 3055 Lebanon Pike in Hermitage. - Celebrating 10 years of operating the Metro extreme cold weather overflow shelter. During the recent snowstorm, staff worked 240 hours over 10 consecutive days, serving over 10,000 meals and providing overnight shelter to nearly 380 people per night. Next year, the Office of Homeless Services will take over shelter operations. - Marking 15 years of the community needs evaluation report, which found that “growth does not reduce disparities” and that vulnerable communities continue to feel economic strain. - A budget request for $70,000 for salaries related to moving the nutrition program from grant to general fund funding. CFO Sullivan explained that the $70,000 is entirely metro-funded and covers merit increases not previously factored in; the department has been covering the cost through salary savings. Key Outcomes - No formal votes or decisions were taken during this hearing. - Councilmember Evans and Councilwoman Berkeley Allen asked clarifying questions about the $70,000 salary request. Director Pratt and CFO Sullivan confirmed the funds are needed to cover merit increases for nutrition program staff. - The hearing served as an information-gathering session ahead of budget work sessions and the public hearing.

The Metropolitan Council of Nashville and Davidson County held its regular meeting on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, starting at 6:30 p.m. in the Historic Metro Courthouse. The meeting included proclamations, announcements, three proposed changes to Council rules, public hearings on eight resolutions and numerous zoning ordinances, a consolidated consent agenda, and several individual votes. Key outcomes included the adoption of two rules amendments, passage of several alcohol and short-term rental exemptions, second reading approval of multiple zoning changes, and deferral of controversial items. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the April 16, 2024 meeting were approved. - Confirmations: Unanimous confirmation of Sharon Emerson (Equalization Board), Sharilyn Pettus (Equalization Board), and Jeffrey Ezell (Sustainability Advisory Committee). - Consolidated Consent Agenda: The Council adopted by a 36-0 vote a large consent agenda containing many resolutions (e.g., RS2024-391 through RS2024-444, with some exceptions) and second/third reading ordinances (e.g., BL2024-307, BL2024-334, BL2024-179, etc.), all previously approved unanimously by their respective committees. Public Comments & Testimony Fifteen registered speakers addressed the Council on various agenda items: - Support for Arts Commission bills: Molly Sikurd, Jack Bagwell, and Christine Hall spoke in support of BL2024-343 and BL2024-302, emphasizing equity and transparency in arts funding. - Opposition to Juvenile Detention Contract: Tristan Warner and Ryan Dickerson opposed RS2024-392 (Rite of Passage, Inc.), citing private prison concerns and linking to broader issues of settler colonialism and genocide in Palestine. - Support for AANHPI Heritage Month: Deluvio Palacio spoke in favor of RS2024-442, urging the Council to also stand against Israeli occupation. - Opposition to Forensic Testing Contract: Madeline Lewis opposed RS2024-416 (Bode Technology), arguing it funds surveillance and risks wrongful convictions. - Support for Workers Memorial Day: Dutch Dorman and Ethan Schmidt spoke in favor of RS2024-444, requesting additional recognitions for local workers and Palestinian workers. - Support for Water Infrastructure: Al Comfort Waznowski supported BL2024-361, linking basic human rights to sanitation and criticizing denial of such rights in Gaza. - Other speakers: Christine Hall (arts equity), and one speaker for Little Rey beer permit (RS2024-381). Discussion Items - Rule 28 Amendment (Public Comment): Sponsor Councilmember Porterfield proposed reinstating open public comment for items not on the agenda, reverting to pre-2018 practice. After debate (including concerns about hate speech and staff burden), the amendment passed 27-7-1, effective 30 days later. - Rule 43.1 Amendment (Deferral Count): Sponsor Councilmember Kupin proposed changing the automatic indefinite deferral trigger from the third to the fourth deferral. Passed 32-2. - Rule 43.4 Amendment (Title 17 Exemption): Sponsor Councilmember Sepulveda proposed exempting zoning items from the 60-day deferral rule. Deferred one meeting for further discussion. - Resolutions on Public Hearing: - RS2024-381 (Little Rey beer permit): Approved unanimously after a hearing with one speaker in favor. - RS2024-382 through -385 (28th Ave N STR exemptions): Deferred one meeting at sponsor's request. - RS2024-386 through -390 (Whites Creek Pike STR exemptions): All five passed with votes ranging 30-31 in favor, 1 no (Parker on 386 only), and 1 abstention (Suara). - Bills on Public Hearing: Over 20 zoning ordinances received second reading approval, most without opposition. Notable items: - BL2023-56 through -59 (Pettus Road area): Deferred to July 2, 2024. - BL2024-227 (Andrew Jackson Parkway rezoning for Wawa): Passed on second reading after public hearing with both support and opposition; discussion centered on traffic, floodplain, and loss of driving range. - BL2024-184 (Zoning definition updates): Approved as amended (housekeeping changes). - BL2024-317/318 (Buena Vista Pike 46 units): Passed with sponsor noting ongoing infrastructure improvements. - Other Resolutions: - RS2024-374 (BNA sewer abandonment): Approved 30-0-3 (abstentions: Bradford, Porterfield, Gadd). - RS2024-392 (Juvenile detention contract): Passed 23-3-4 after roll call. - RS2024-397 (Action Commission services): Deferred one meeting by rule. - RS2024-416 (Forensic testing contract): Deferred one meeting for further questions. - RS2024-433 (Colemere building notice): Approved 30-1-1. - RS2024-434 (Berdelle Campbell honor): Deferred one meeting. - Honorary resolutions: RS2024-435 (Keith Durbin), RS2024-437 (Dr. Glenda Glover), RS2024-439 (Allison Russell), RS2024-442 (AANHPI Month), RS2024-444 (Workers Memorial Day) all approved with Rule 12.3 to add co-sponsors. Key Outcomes - Rules Changes: Rule 28 (public comment) and Rule 43.1 (deferrals) adopted; Rule 43.4 deferred. - Approvals: All five Whites Creek Pike STR exemptions, Little Rey beer permit, multiple zoning changes on second reading, consent agenda, and honorary resolutions. - Deferrals: Pettus Road zoning (to July 2), 28th Ave N STRs (1 meeting), BL2024-255 (mail notice) to Aug 6, BL2024-293 (fence permits) to July 2, two Homestead Road bills (1 meeting), and RS2024-416 (1 meeting). - Withdrawals: BL2024-181 (single exit stairway) and BL2024-371 (Elliston Place sewer) withdrawn. - First Reading Passed: Multiple sewer/water easement ordinances and BL2024-343 through -372 (except withdrawn/deferred ones) passed first reading. - Next Meeting: Specially called State of Metro Address on May 14, 2024 at 10 a.m.; regular meeting May 21, 2024.

The Metropolitan Nashville Arts Commission met on April 22, 2024, to address ongoing challenges including public notice issues, budget constraints, and leadership instability. The meeting featured public comment, approval of minutes, presentations on public art projects, committee reports, and a contentious discussion on the status of Executive Director Daniel Singh, culminating in a vote to place him on administrative leave and begin a search for an interim director. Consent Calendar - Approved February 15, 2024 minutes (motion carried, unanimous). - Approved March 28, 2024 minutes (motion carried, unanimous). Public Comments & Testimony - Councilwoman Joyce Stiles (District 29) expressed concern about inadequate notice for the grants committee meeting on April 22, referencing an email she sent asking for rescheduling to rebuild trust. She stated the current executive director was not informed of the agenda and that Metro Legal has refused his doctor's approval to return. She criticized "overreach of finance and metro legal" and urged moving forward. - Councilperson Jacob Kupin (District 19) urged longer lead times for meeting notices and stated he does not feel qualified to decide on Director Singh's employment. He called for a decision "one way or another" to move forward. - Alan Faye (arts administrator and percussionist) encouraged the commission to change bylaws to continue funding individual artists via Thrive, and voiced support for Metro Arts staff, stating the executive director had "ignored or bullied his staff." - Drew Ogle (National Repertory Theater) thanked the commission for grants that funded a production employing 54 artists and drawing 4,000 attendees. - Lydia Yusuf criticized the push to privatize Thrive, equating it to historical white supremacy tactics to deny Black people equitable access to public funds. - Christine Hall (grants editing panel) argued for preserving direct funding to artists (Thrive), emphasizing it is "public funds" that must remain accessible. - Ashley Batch Elder explained the Title VI report recommendation that the arts commission's funding model must be approved by Metro Council, noting that current rules from 2001 are outdated and need updating to prevent conflicts. - Nicole Williams stressed the importance of clear public notice, advising the commission to provide a buffer between agenda posting and meetings to avoid confusion. - Daniel Jones (artist and administrator) urged expediting the FY25 grants timeline to avoid a "black hole" in programming between July and award notices. Discussion Items - Artist Spotlight: Michole Robinson (storyteller) presented a sample of her Story Beats program, which engages children through reading, storytelling, and performance, funded by a FY24 Thrive grant. - Public Art Committee (Commissioner West): - Old Hickory Community Center Design: Approved the "Wings of Time" design by artist Gordon Heuther – acrylic heron sculptures with dichroic film. (Motion carried unanimously.) - Bordeaux Gateway Project Budget: Approved an increase in the artist budget from $185,000 to $300,000 due to infrastructure complexities. (Motion carried unanimously.) - Celestial Falls Interior Artwork: Approved a $76,845.48 budget increase for artist Amber Lelly at the Donaldson Library to cover increased material and labor costs. The project used 100% Tennessee labor and 24 local vendors. (Motion carried unanimously.) - Grants and Funding Committee (Commissioner Jester): Reported on a committee meeting that discussed delaying the grant cycle for process improvements, options for Thrive funding, and the need to align with Metro Code. No decisions were made; the committee seeks public feedback. - Budget and Oversight Committee (Commissioner Watts): - Reported that the FY24 budget is $5,461,700; the FY25 request is $13,253,400 (more than double), but the year is flat, so cuts are expected. - A motion to empower staff member Christina Affote to handle budget authority failed (6 no, 1 abstain). - Discussion ensued about the need for an interim executive director to lead staff and budget processes. - Executive Director Status: - Commissioner Jester moved to terminate Director Daniel Singh, citing irreparable loss of trust with staff and ineffective leadership. The motion was later amended to place Singh on administrative leave with pay and begin a search for an interim director. - Staff members (including Darren Jackson and others) testified to the leadership vacuum and their desire for decisive action. - The motion carried unanimously via roll call. - Care Committee (new chair Commissioner Harden) will meet to rebuild trust through community-integrated processes. - Communications (Darren Jackson) announced a pilot program creating promotional media packages for public art installations, using in-house Metro resources at no additional cost. - Chair Updates: Commissioner Love acknowledged the difficulty of decisions and emphasized the need for transparency and grace. Key Outcomes - Approved three public art projects: Old Hickory Community Center design (unanimous), Bordeaux Gateway budget increase (unanimous), Celestial Falls budget increase (unanimous). - Voted to place Executive Director Daniel Singh on administrative leave with pay and immediately begin a search for an interim director (motion carried unanimously). - Failed motion to delegate budget authority to staff member Christina Affote (6 no, 1 abstain). - Scheduled a special commission meeting for April 25, 2024 (12:00–2:00 PM) to advance the interim director process. - Appointed committee chairs: Commissioner Watts (Budget and Oversight), Commissioner Harden (Care), Commissioner Jester (Grants and Funding). - Directed Commissioner Watts to work with HR to expedite interim director selection and report back before the next regular meeting. Public Art Committee Actions - Wings of Time at Old Hickory Community Center: Design approved. - Bordeaux Gateway artist budget increased from $185,000 to $300,000. - Celestial Falls at Donaldson Library: Artist budget increased by $76,845.48.