General Forum, 2023-2027 Term

This discussion topic was requested by Council Member Joy Styles. 

From CM Styles:

After a brief hiatus, Pet Policy Working Group has come back together to resume conversations about pet policy and improvements to MACC. In this chat, we will post notes from our conversation on August 26th about the audit performed on MACC and plans to move forward ahead of our next community meeting.  

Documents discussed in this topic can be found at this link: Pet Policy Working Group  

This discussion topic was requested by Council Member Emily Benedict to discuss Ordinance No. BL2024-515. 

From CM Benedict:

Colleagues, this bill would change the zoning table for one- and two-family zoning to be allowed without conditional approval. Importantly, this bill does not change any parcels to two-family zoning if they currently do not allow two-family zoning. In other words, all of the zoning codes that would be updated through this bill already allow two-family zoning. RS zoned parcels would not have been impacted by this bill.

Some context: in 1984, a new designation “RS” zoning was established, which created single-family home zoning only. At the same time, new rules were created for R zoning, which placed conditions on duplexes for newly-subdivided lots. 

The unintended consequence of the 1984 rule is that the Zoning Department has to review every permit for nearly every parcel where an owner seeks to construct a duplex. This review was fairly straightforward in 1984, but the types of development have changed now with much more infill of existing neighborhoods. Because parcels have often been subdivided and reconfigured, duplex eligibility is not as simple as pre-1984 vs. post-1984. It is customary for owners to request a determination letter for every lot before building on it to ensure they are compliant. This letter requires an inordinate amount of staff time and resources, even though nearly all parcels that have permits applied for end up being issued today.

That departmental process is very time-consuming, and often Zoning has to go to the city archives to find a paper copy - if they can - of the plat to make their determination. This is costly and time consuming for a department that is already spread thin. This mainly slows down the permitting timeline, something that the State and the Federal Government have been trying to speed up. This bill would remove the conditional approval to free up staff time and resources. Since 1984, we have developed many new zoning tools that make this rule obsolete. This was the impetus for the filing of the bill. Nothing more.

My original plan with the bill was to have a public hearing at the Planning Commission with then a month deferral so the Planning Department could review the bill to see if there were any unintended consequences, and then the bill would go back to the MPC for consideration. If passed there, then it would have been on the Council agenda two months from now. The goal is to make good legislation that helps our departments while also maintaining the integrity of our zoning code.

In thinking through this bill, I think it’s premature because Planning is already working on a citywide study that hopefully will include this update. The Zoning Administrator was enthusiastic that I wanted to look at this due to the challenge the current zoning provisions present his department. I will work with him prior to taking any legislative action to see what we can do to limit that burden on his team. I’m hopeful at some point we can pass a provision that will streamline our processes while maintaining the integrity of our Community Plan.

Thank you,

Emily Benedict

This discussion topic was requested by Councilmember Joy Styles to discuss Ordinance No. BL2024-441 regarding algae, moss, mildew, lichen, and fungus. 

From CM Styles:

BL2024-441 would add algae on homes to the metro code for property standards. In committee conversation, it was suggested that a minimum for the amount of algae on a home would be beneficial. 

If you have potential suggestions, please share them here. Thank you.

July 30, 2024

Colleagues,

Thank you for taking some time to review my synopsis of RS2024-559 proposed by your Charter Revision Committee and considered by the Charter Revision Commission.  I am very appreciative of the work of the committee members, the depth of discussion, and consideration of options available to us.   I am grateful for the attention to detail of the Charter Revision Commission and its support of our committee’s work.  We are fortunate to have the insight of both attorneys Hannah Zeitlin and Margaret Darby who guided our work.

A brief overview of the Charter Revision process:

• We are permitted to adopt a resolution proposing amendments to the Charter twice during our term in office.  Should this resolution pass, the next opportunity will be in 2026.
• The resolution must include a brief description of each proposed amendment, so its meaning is clearly presented.
• The resolution must include a statement as to the fiscal impact of the proposed amendment.

How did the Committee develop the proposed resolution?

• Proposals were requested in January 2024 from our Metro departments and Councilmembers.
• I have attached a copy of the timeline in order to review and address the proposals presented.
• Once the final proposed amendments were recommended by the committee, the Charter Revision Commission convened to receive and study the proposals with public comment and to make recommendations to the Metropolitan Council concerning the amendments to the Metropolitan Charter.   I have attached a copy of the report of that July 12, 2024 meeting from Clerk Austin Kyle.  Please see the following link to that meeting:  July 12 2024 Charter Commission Meeting.

What was the nature of the general Committee discussions?

• Concerns about incorporating too many amendments on the ballot given the inclusion of the transit referendum.  
• Thoughts that it made sense to put these structural amendments in place during the next referendum when there potentially could be other required amendments in the interest of continuity.
• Preferences that emergent proposals only should be included in this resolution.
• Recommending the reduction in age eligibility would encourage more young people to vote while there were concerns relative to life experience and balancing school/Council life.

What were the actions of the Charter Revision Commission?

• Two proposals were unanimously approved
  1. A proposal to designate an eligible officer within the Finance Department to serve as interim Finance Director in the event of a vacancy.
  2. A proposal to change the age of eligibility to run for Metro Council amending that from the age of 25 to, instead, requiring that they be a qualified voter.
• Two proposals were disapproved
  1. An alternate proposal to designate the metropolitan treasurer as Interim Finance Director
  2. A proposed amendment not to hold Council meetings during the month of September
• One proposal is going to be withdrawn at the request of the department so there was no action taken
  1. A Fire Dept proposal to remove the US citizenship requirement for NFD employees
• A recommendation from the Commission was to adopt an amendment to revise the Charter proposals in a format that is consistent with the requirements of Charter Section 19.02(a).

I look forward to the discussion on the floor August 6 of this resolution.  

Regards,

Sheri Weiner

Charter Revision 2023 to 2027 Timeline for RS2024-559.pdf 

Charter Revision Commission - RS2024-559.pdf

This discussion topic was requested by Council member Jennifer Webb. Please find below the text of questions CM Webb has sent to the Housing Division of the Metro Planning Department related to RS2024-592:

1.    How much ownership can the owner accrue at this time and how is the value set?

2.    What are the co-op fees for this project ?

3.    What is the application process to purchase ?

4.    What are the down payments ? financing ?

5.    Who elects the board ?

6.    These are proprietary leases, so who controls the sell or transfer of the shares when the owner decided to see?

7.    How are the funds from a sell disbursed ? Are there fees for selling or transfer of shares ?

8.    What is all included in the monthly rental ? Can they ever increase ?

I would like to get a copy of the contract the buyer signs and a copy of the bylaws.

I also talked to Tim Ellis and he has asked me to defer so he can meet with company, he had not been notified . 

This is inside the City of Goodlettsville city limits and before I can give my support, they need to be on board!

I also have reservations of keeping this from the current residents, if this is such a good thing, why not tell them ???!!!

This discussion topic was requested by Councilmember Kyonzté Toombs to discuss her proposed amendment to RS2024-559 -- the Charter Amendment Resolution. 

From CM Toombs: 

Colleagues,

I have submitted an amendment to the Charter resolution RS2024-559 to not hold regularly scheduled Council meetings in September.

Council meetings are year-round.  We not only have regularly scheduled Council meetings, but we also have frequent specially called meetings, committee meetings, our own community meetings, neighborhood association meetings, district events, citywide events, and we provide constituent services ranging from mediating between neighbors to helping to house constituents facing eviction. Additionally, despite an awesome Council staff, we are our own administrative support.

Serving as a councilmember is a full-time job with which we balance our family and friends and our actual full time jobs.  We often do this at the expense of our own personal health.  Despite the personal sacrifice, I am certain that all of us, if given a “do over,” would again choose to serve.

Despite our commitment to Nashville, the pace at which we move is not healthy and some type of “rest” is needed.  Every election year, Council is essentially in recess for the month of September due to runoff elections.  A permanent September recess would flow with the normal practice during an election year.  Planning staff and Council staff have been consulted.  The schedule for filling legislation as well as the schedule to review zoning applications would need to be updated.  Neither of these updates would be detrimental to Nashville residents.  Council members would still be available to constituents, and the option to have a specially called meeting would still be available. 

The time needed to prepare for Council and committee meetings, meet short legislative deadlines, prepare amendments, etc. can be spent catching up on email, phone calls, and other constituent services.  The time can be spent focusing on district matters or provide more time to focus on legislative priorities.  The time could be spent attending a child’s school event or catching up on family time.  Council members would have the opportunity to catch their breath and come back refreshed for another year of service.

So that this change benefits current council members, this amendment should be adopted and placed on the ballot.  

Sincerely,

CM Toombs

This discussion topic was requested by Council member Thom Druffel. Please find below the text of a letter CM Druffel has sent to Mayor O'Connell and Vice Mayor Henderson: 

RE: Let's make youth our top priority in 2025!

Mayor O'Connell and Vice Mayor Henderson,

We see and hear, almost daily, of the violence committed in our youth community.  The events in Bellevue are only the most recent.  The consequences to our youth, and their families, are catastrophic. The lost futures are incalculable. We see the growing career opportunities in Nashville and need to match equitable pathways for our youth to those opportunities.

As Councilmember Suara said, after the shooting in Red Caboose Park, we cannot watch one more young person suffer in these dire situations.  We know the causes of violence are diverse, and solutions must also be diverse and flexible.  A youth group called “Why We Can’t Wait” reflects the urgency in solving the problem.  We need to be urgent, but it is especially important that we can provide sustainable long-term solutions. 

MNPS has worked to move the needle, and there are several Metro programs that are committed and focused on programs for our youth that include NAZA, Power Youth, MNPS, Juvenile Court, MNPD, Metro Parks, and Metro Arts. In referring to the detailed history from the past 15-20 years, (See Context & History listed below), there have been interests for youth development by each administration. However, inconsistent programs and governance models have prevented a stronger coordinated approach. Momentum gained in one administration can be lost or redirected in successive administrations. 

Councilmember and Budget Chair Porterfield did an artful and passionate job putting together funding for a department for Youth Safety in the substitute budget. It is a powerful start and is an important part of developing broader solutions. There are additional opportunities such as summer and after school programs that improve wholistic youth development and success in careers and in the classroom.

I am recommending that we expand that organizational framework to a comprehensive permanent Department of Youth Services. A permanent coordinating department of all youth services will provide sustainable strategic solutions, and that can scale against the needs of our youth for years to come. The Department of Youth Services would also be able to leverage numerous funding sources against youth programs. 

As the next step, I am recommending that we put together a transition team to form a permanent Department of Youth Services on a timeline that would include it in the 2025 budget season. Attached is a blueprint and recommended timeline. We can’t wait!

Listed below is a detailed background and context for the needed change and attached is a blueprint for moving forward.

Thom

 Detailed City Context & History

·       Child and Youth Master Plan: Established in 2010 under Mayor Dean, focuses on holistic youth outcomes including education, health, safety, and family environment.

·       Nashville After Zone Alliance (NAZA):

·       Started in 2009, coordinates afterschool and summer and mentorship (for justice-involved youth) programs citywide focusing on equitable access to positive and holistic youth development.

·       Has built centralized systems of coordination, including youth program provider portfolios, student attendance management, training and coaching for providers, data collection and sharing with the district, contracting and accountability procedures in line with Metro Finance requirements.

·       Grew from $400,000 to $5.5M city funding, benefiting 2500+ youth annually.

·       Currently operates under Nashville Public Library.

·       Opportunity NOW (ON) / Power Youth:

·       Launched in 2016 by Mayor Barry to scale youth employment.

·       Connected over 7,500 youth to employment opportunities since then.

·       Has built a centralized system of connecting youth and employers.

·       Has developed a system of youth training and onboarding, including financial literacy.

·       Transitioned to Power Youth under Mayor Cooper's administration.

·       Currently operates under Metro Action Commission.

·       Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS):

·       Offers after-school (with 21st Century funds) and youth employment programs (work-based learning) funded by federal grants.

·       Piloting work-based learning programs, aiming for district-wide expansion.

·       Metro Departments and Nonprofits:

o   Metro Parks, Metro Arts, and others collaborate on youth development and offer programming as well. Metro Parks receive funding from NAZA for 7 locations. There is a potential to grow.

o   Nonprofits offer diverse after-school and summer programs, 20 of them are funded by NAZA.

o   MNPD operates youth programs with a federal grant funding.

o   Juvenile Court offers/funds youth programs, some in partnership with NAZA.

Current problems:

1.      Too many programs, very little coordination, consistency and ability to create a strong wholistic approach. 

2.      Metro funded youth programs scattered across departments without effective coordination.

3.      Employers and youth employment opportunities lack coordination.

4.      Programming and resources are not equitably distributed as various departments use data in an uncoordinated manner.

5.      The fluctuations of city demand and supply of youth programs have created difficulty planning a coordinated approach.

Existing Assets

·       Business Plan for Youth Career Exploration: Created in 2023 by a task force to align youth development and career initiatives. The task force included 30 community, nonprofit, government and business leaders. The plan reviewed research, peer city programs, best practices in 6 key areas with specific recommendations.

·       Vision for Holistic Youth Development: In 2018-2020, NAZA and Vanderbilt co-led a research project with a stakeholder task force, culminating in the development of Nashville's Vision for Holistic Youth Development. This framework guides youth outcomes in the out-of-school time space.

·       Industry Support: Nashville has a strong diverse group of industries that can provide invaluable career training and support. The Pencil Foundation has over 750 partners already engaged in career support for our MNPS students. 

·       Colleges and skill programs: Nashville State, TCAT and programs such as Music City 3 provide the next level of opportunities to train and develop careers for our youth.

·       Legislative base: The Office of Homeless Services model can be replicated to create an entity to coordinate and govern youth initiatives in the city.

Please find more information at the following link: Youth Recommendations

This discussion topic was requested by Council member Sheri Weiner to discuss RS2024-556 – “A resolution supporting an end to violence between Israel and Palestine”.

From CM Weiner: 

Colleagues,

I share considerable angst for my Jewish and Muslim friends and for those who I don’t know who have family in Israel and in Gaza.  I hurt with Z, Jacob, Clay, Brenda and Quin.  I hurt with my Muslim client who has immediate family in Gaza with whom I cried on October 9.    

Let’s talk process.  When I review legislation I read it first at face value, then I put myself in the shoes of those who may be impacted…if zoning, I consider the neighbors. In this case, I read it again asking “how would I, as a hostage or family member, react?”.  And again asking “how would I, as a resident in Gaza or family member, react?”   And again “how would I, as the grandmother who was raped and tortured on Facebook or as her family, react?”   Finally I asked myself this: What does this solve?  What message does this send?  How does this help?

Does this address the horror faced by the Israelis who were mercilessly raped, tortured, murdered and kidnapped?  The continued torture and death of the hostages?  

Does this resolution mention that we stand for peace all over the world? That we stand against leaders of countries that attack peaceful nations and that we stand in solidarity with the citizens of Israel and Gaza?

While this addresses the impact of the bombing of Gaza on their residents, does it clearly address the current fate of the hostages who need to be home?  Alive?   For those who have died?

Does it address hundreds of thousands of lives or the millions in the Middle East who are at risk of escalation until all of the hostages are returned, humanitarian aid is delivered without delay and an end to the war is achieved?

We should all pray for the citizens of Gaza and Israel who have no say in the actions of their governments – those who ran for their lives, gave their lives and are continuing to endure unimaginable suffering. All of them.

We were elected by our constituents to do the work of Nashville.  We should honor the pain our constituents are living.  Those suffering from this war need so much more than we can offer in a resolution.  Let’s consider supporting area charities that will support the rebuilding on both sides of the border…broken families, neighborhoods, and broken spirit.

I ask that you ask yourself these questions before you vote on this resolution.  I ask that you consider that we can do better than this for all of our constituents, for the hostages and their families, for those living in Gaza stuck in the middle of the fighting.

Let’s consider a deferral until we can be complete in our support of everyone impacted recognizing the scars, pain, and suffering being unleashed in the Middle East and beyond.  

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Best Regards,

Sheri Weiner, Councilmember 

Metro Nashville and Davidson County, District 22

This discussion topic was requested by Council member Tasha Ellis to discuss RS2024-392, which approves a contract between the Metropolitan Government and Rite of Passage, Inc. for operation and management services for the Davidson County Juvenile Detention Facility. 

From CM Ellis: 

Has there been any follow up or report back from Rite of Passage addressing the high risk items flagged in the final audit report on Feb 7, 2024? Here's a a link to that report for reference:   https://www.nashville.gov/sites/default/files/2024-02/Audit-Report-Davidson-County-Juvenile-Court-240207.pdf?ct=1707333595

This discussion topic was requested by CM Sepulveda to discuss Board and Commission Disclosures.

From CM Sepulveda: 

Colleagues I have an ordinance up that would require people serving on boards and commissions to file disclosures. This ordinance is very broad. It's meant to get the conversation going. I plan to defer. The amendment I have in mind would require them to state any conflict of interest. It was also suggested that this be limited to boards who approve loans or money. I think it's a good suggestion. Wanted to get feedback from everyone else.