Metropolitan Council - 2025-11-18
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
The Metropolitan Council elected Jody Bell to fill the General Sessions Court Division 6 judicial vacancy with 20 votes. The council also confirmed appointments to the Board of Health, Metropolitan Development and Housing Agency, Metro Planning Commission, and Stormwater Management Commission. Several zoning and development-related ordinances were deferred, including a rezoning at 5701 Robertson Avenue and a mixed-use development near Hart Street and 1st Avenue South.
Key Decisions (22)
Election of General Sessions Judge Division 6
Council elected Jody Bell to fill the judicial vacancy in General Sessions Court Division 6. Five candidates were nominated: C. Michael Robinson, Mark Andrew Cole Sr., Jody Bell, Leroy J. Ellis, and David Jones. Bell received 20 votes.
Confirmation of Board of Health Appointment
Jeffrey Stoball confirmed to Metropolitan Board of Health for term expiring 07/09/2026.
Confirmation of MDHA Appointment
David Lawrence confirmed to Metropolitan Development and Housing Agency for term expiring 11/05/2030.
Confirmation of Metro Planning Commission Appointment
Aria Dang confirmed to Metro Planning Commission for term expiring 03/31/2026.
Confirmation of Stormwater Management Commission Reappointments
Janie Camp and Jay Fulmer reappointed to Stormwater Management Commission for terms expiring 10/31/2029.
Homeland Security Grant Program Application Deferral
Resolution 2025-1533 approving homeland security grant from Tennessee Emergency Management Agency to Office of Emergency Management deferred two meetings to December 16.
Urban Area Security Initiative Grant Deferral
Resolution 2025-1534 approving urban area security initiative grant deferred two meetings to December 16.
EPA Air Pollution Control Grant Amendment
Resolution 2025-1637 approving amendment to EPA air pollution control program support grant for fine particulate matter data collection approved as substituted.
School Resource Officer Grant Application
Resolution 2025-1644 approving statewide SRO program grant from Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security approved.
Property Damage Claim Settlement - Charlie Rodriguez
Resolution 2025-1654 authorizing settlement of property damage claim of Charlie Rodriguez against Metro Government for $32,710.71 from self-insured liability fund.
Emergency Communications Department Reforms Deferral
Resolution 2025-1655 calling for reforms to emergency communications department leadership and workplace culture deferred one meeting per rule 8.1.
Representative Bill Beck Memorial Bridge Naming
Resolution 2025-1656 requesting Tennessee General Assembly authorize naming Gallatin Pike Bridge over State Route 155 as Representative Carson W. Bill Beck Memorial Bridge approved as amended with rule 12.3 applied.
Street and Alley Parking Restrictions Amendment
Ordinance BL2025-956 amending chapter 12.40 regarding street and alley parking restrictions passed second reading as substituted after traffic and parking commission review.
Animal Care and Control Commission Establishment
Ordinance BL2025-1061 establishing Metropolitan Animal Care and Control Commission passed second reading as amended.
NDOT Fee Modifications Deferral
Ordinance BL2025-1063 modifying fees charged by NDOT deferred to January 20 with rereferral to transportation and infrastructure committee.
Midtown Central Business Improvement District Deferral
Ordinance BL2025-1113 authorizing creation of Midtown Central Business Improvement District deferred one meeting per rule 8.1.
Annual Employee Surveys Requirement Deferral
Ordinance BL2025-1114 requiring departments to conduct annual employee surveys deferred one meeting per rule 8.1.
Fence Permit Requirements Deferral
Ordinance BL2025-1115 requiring fence permits for permanent fences deferred one meeting per rule 8.1.
Rezoning at 5701 Robertson Avenue Deferral
Ordinance BL2025-1092 to rezone 2.3 acres at 5701 Robertson Avenue from R8 to MUL-A-NS deferred one meeting to allow additional community meeting.
Hart Street Mixed-Use Development Zoning Deferral
Ordinances BL2025-1095 and BL2025-1096 for 5.79 acres south of Hart Street along 1st Avenue, 2nd Avenue South, and Andrew T Whittemore Street to permit mixed-use development deferred one meeting.
Detached ADU Exclusion Overlay District - First Reading
Ordinance BL2025-1146 to create detached accessory dwelling unit exclusion overlay district approved on first reading with second reading and public hearing deferred to March 3 for planning commission consideration.
Rules Amendment on Honorary Resolutions Failed
Proposed amendment to Rule 12 to move honorary and memorializing resolutions to proclamations failed to achieve required 27-vote supermajority.
Zoning Changes (2)
5701 Robertson Avenue at corner of Robertson Avenue and Midland Avenue
Not specified
South of Hart Street along 1st Avenue, 2nd Avenue South, and Andrew T Whittemore Street
Not specified
Development Activity (4)
Hart Street Mixed-Use Development
5.79 acres, partially within Wedgwood Houston Chestnut Hill urban design overlay, rezoning from R6 to MUL-A-NS and IWD to SP
Robertson Avenue Rezoning
2.3 acres, proposed rezoning from R8 to MUL-A-NS
Midtown Central Business Improvement District
Creation of business improvement district with advisory board corporation
Guarhart Cultural Association Facility
New facility construction, returning to BZA due to construction not starting within two years of original approval
Market Signals (4)
Commercial Demand
Creation of Midtown Central Business Improvement District indicates organized commercial investment interest in Midtown Nashville area.
Housing Demand
Proposed detached ADU exclusion overlay district suggests ongoing debate about residential density and housing options in certain neighborhoods.
Sentiment
Public comment raised concerns about small business struggles and restaurant closures, citing property tax burdens as contributing factor.
Infrastructure
NDOT fee modifications being considered with extended review timeline suggests significant changes to transportation infrastructure funding mechanisms.