The Metro Council returns for its first December meeting on Tuesday. The highlight of the agenda, which can be reviewed here, is a police department request to deploy a software program that allows business owners to provide access to their security cameras.
Check out our full rundown of the meeting’s lineup:
On public hearing
The council will hold several zoning-related public hearings, including for legislation related to allowing a hotel near First Horizon Park, a 12South mixed-use proposal and a residential project in The Nations.
Resolutions
RS2024-791: An independent nonprofit is seeking to fund a Metro Nashville Police Department subscription to a public survey software aimed at gauging public opinion about safety and the police. The resolution has been deferred multiple times as some councilmembers have questioned whether the survey technology would invade people’s privacy or whether it’s appropriate for the police to conduct the study itself. The organization told councilmembers on Monday that it would withdraw its donation so city leaders could continue discussing the proposal or similar ones.
RS2024-792: Likely the focal point of Tuesday’s meeting, the council will consider granting approval for MNPD’s use of Fusus’ surveillance camera collection software. Read the Banner’s full coverage of the proposal here.
RS2024-880: An early step toward the implementation of Mayor Freddie O’Connell’s transportation improvement program, approved by Nashville voters last month. The resolution would request the establishment of a new advisory committee to oversee the work and prescribe regular updates on the program.
RS2025-882: This legislation would approve issuing more than $500 million in general obligation bonds to pay for the projects included in O’Connell’s capital spending plan. Read the Banner’s coverage of the plan here.
RS2024-890: The council is considering settlements for two Metro lawsuits. The first, for $50,000, is related to a retaliation complaint against former Metro Parks leadership. The second, for $155,000, is related to a motor vehicle wreck involving a garbage truck.
RS2024-905: Several councilmembers are asking MNPD to ramp up traffic enforcement after traffic stops plummeted 95 percent in a decade. The resolution also asks Nashville transportation officials to improve infrastructure protecting pedestrians. Read the Banner’s coverage of the request here.
On second reading
BL2024-626: This legislation would increase from $25,000 to $50,000 the threshold for competitive sealed bidding or requests for proposals. The change would follow state law and is in response to “inflation and reduced buying power of the previous limit.”