General Assembly Week 8 Recap

 From Rep. Susan Lynn, March 8, 2024-

Rep. Susan Lynn General Assembly Passes ELVIS Act Tennessee first in the nation to protect ‘voice’ from AI misuse The General Assembly this week unanimously passed first-of-its-kind legislation protecting artists’ identity and work from misuse of artificial intelligence (AI).  The Ensuring Likeness Voice and Image Security (ELVIS) Act, sponsored by House Majority Leader William Lamberth, R-Portland, now heads to Gov. Bill Lee’s desk for his signature.  “As technology advances, we must ensure intellectual property and humanity is protected. Consumers should be fully informed when they encounter artificial content,” Lamberth said. “The ability of artificial intelligence to replicate someone else’s legitimate voice and likeness should deeply concern us all. The ELVIS Act sets critical safeguards that protect creators against harm, exploitation and theft.”  While Tennessee’s existing law protects name, image and likeness, it does not address new, personalized generative AI cloning models and services that enable human impersonation and allow users to make unauthorized fake reproductions in the image and voice of others.  The emergence of artificial intelligence threatens the careers of artists whose image, likeness, and voice are replicated, as well as the future of the music industry and the jobs it supports.  Tennessee is home to more than 68,000 songwriters. The state ranks No. 1 in the nation for music industry employment, with jobs growing by 21 percent over the last five years. Overall, Tennessee’s music industry supports nearly 62,000 jobs across the state, contributes $5.8 billion to gross domestic product (GDP) and fills more than 4,500 music establishments.  The ELVIS Act is the first legislation of its kind in the nation to build upon existing state rule protecting against the unauthorized use of someone’s likeness by adding “voice” to the realm it protects. Once signed by the governor, the legislation takes effect July 1.

Republicans Fight to Combat Illegal Immigration in Tennessee  The House State Government Committee this week advanced Republican legislation that seeks to combat illegal immigration in Tennessee. House Bill 2124, sponsored by State Rep. Rusty Grills, R-Newbern, would ensure all law enforcement in the state notify the appropriate federal authorities if an individual they come into contact with is found to be in the country illegally. Notification is currently not required under state law. “The federal government continues to put the safety of every Tennessean at risk by not properly securing our nation’s borders,” Grills said. “We are either a nation of laws or we are a lawless nation. Until this crisis is over, we must ensure the proper authorities know about individuals who are found to be in this country illegally. This legislation will better protect our communities and make sure those wishing to come here do so the right way.” There were more than 2.4 million encounters at the nation’s southwest border during the 2023 fiscal year, according to the U.S. House Committee on Homeland Security. Since 2021, there have been at least 1.7 million individuals who illegally entered the country and successfully evaded authorities. House Bill 2124 is scheduled to be heard in the House chamber on March 11. The companion version of the legislation is still advancing through the Senate. If approved, the new law would take effect July 1.

Additional Protections from Child Gender-Disfiguring Procedures Advances Legislation to further protect children in Tennessee from gender-disfiguring procedures advanced out of the House Civil Justice Subcommittee this week. House Bill 2310, sponsored by State Rep. Bryan Richey, R-Maryville, seeks to stop anyone from knowingly taking a minor across state lines without parental consent in order to receive a prohibited medical procedure like the removal of the child’s healthy body parts in order for them to identify as a gender that is different from their biological sex.  “This is just to prevent bad actors from coming in and taking our children to go somewhere else without that child’s parent or guardian giving them permission to do that,” Richey said.  Any adult who recruits, harbors or transports a minor for a restricted medical procedure could be charged with a Class C felony and held civilly liable by the child’s parent or legal guardian under the proposed legislation.  The General Assembly last year passed the Protecting Children from Gender Mutilation Act. The legislation provided the nation’s strongest protections against disfiguring gender mutilation surgeries and treatments on minors. House Bill 2310 is scheduled to be heard in the Civil Justice Committee on March 13.

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(update 2) Biden’s Partisan State of Disunion, The State of the Union is Angry. The worst State of the Union in history.

Biden’s Partisan State of Disunion

The Democratic pep rally had not a single bipartisan grace note.

By The Editorial Board, Wall Street Journal, March 8, 2024 - State of the Union speeches are eminently forgettable, but President Biden’s address on Thursday was memorable for all the wrong reasons. His address was one long, divisive pep rally for Democrats, goading Republicans throughout the speech, and targeting multiple and various villains for partisan attacks. It really was extraordinary.

Most such speeches make at least an attempt at reaching across the aisle, if only as a gesture. This one had none, not even on the issue of aid to Ukraine where he most needs Republican support. He made a good if incomplete argument for supporting Ukraine, and we agree with its substance.

But he made the dreadful political mistake of comparing Russia’s threat to democracy with the threat to democracy at home. There is no comparison between Vladimir Putin’s invasion and partisan, even raucous debates in the U.S., and many supporters of Ukraine will resent the linkage. We regret to say it, but this speech may have made it harder for GOP Members of Congress to resist Donald Trump and vote to send weapons to Ukraine. Was the short-term partisan adrenaline rush worth that risk? (read more)

 The State of the Union is Angry

The Dispatch, March 8, 2024- The tone of last night’s State of the Union address was set perhaps even before President Joe Biden delivered a word of his speech. Protesters, pushing for a ceasefire in the war in Gaza, blocked a portion of Pennsylvania Avenue leading to the Capitol Building. GOP firebrands like Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia and Lauren Boebert of Colorado signaled early on Thursday that they would not heed Speaker Mike Johnson’s calls for decorum. And as Biden proceeded to the dais, Greene pulled on a MAGA hat—against Congressional rules—and handed him a button embossed with the name of Laken Riley, a 22-year-old nursing student killed last month in Georgia by an illegal immigrant. 

The annual speech was delivered with just 243 days until November’s presidential election, and the specter of the campaign hung over the room as the president and congressional Republicans traded barbs throughout the night. Biden referenced his predecessor—and once-again political rival—more than a dozen times over the course of the night, using the address to make his reelection pitch (read more)

The worst State of the Union in history

A speech that will go down in infamy

by Ben Domenech, The Spectator, March 8, 2024 - ... We all know what the best version of Joe Biden sounds like — a throwback to images of old Irish bipartisan politicking, itself an act of role-play for a senator who has more often than not been an angry partisan and constant fabulist both away from the cameras and in front of them. But at least there’s something respectable about that caricature, when given the Jon Meacham veneer of gestures toward the other side of the partisan aisle, framed by misquotes of Saint Augustine, half-remembered fables and snatches from the worst entries in the Catholic hymn book.

There was no such respectability to be found in Joe Biden’s State of the Union speech last night. It is without question the most divisive, vindictive and downright vile expression of American partisanship ever given from that honored stage. It marks a legacy-defining moment eradicating forever the idea of Biden as the deal maker, defender of norms and champion of some vague idea of bipartisan unity — this was Biden unhinged, spewing invective at half the country. He lied about them. He called them racists and bigots. And he used the most prominent speech he will give this year to promise even more division and vengeance against his foes.

Biden even went so far as to attack, to their faces, the Supreme Court that has endured assassination attempts, harassment of their families and near constant illegal protests at their homes in recent years. ... State of the Unions are not off-the-cuff remarks to shouted questions ... this speech sounded like the talk of an angry partisan loser, bitter at not being appreciated enough, desperately in need of a nap — not a triumphant, hopeful, optimistic incumbent ready to run on his record. (read more)

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Biden Is Serious About His Candy-Bar Crusade

 The president, to state the obvious, doesn’t exactly have authority over how many pieces of candy a private company wants to put in a pouch.

By Lora Kelley, The Atlantic, March 8, 2024 - Sesame Street characters have had their fuzzy fingers on the pulse of American life lately. First, Elmo triggered an avalanche of despair when he asked on X how everyone was doing. Then his castmate the Cookie Monster proclaimed earlier this week, “Me hate shrinkflation!” 

In his punchy, confrontational State of the Union speech last night, Biden conveyed a similar feeling. After outlining his accomplishments and his plans for the economy, the president denounced the way snack-food makers have been putting fewer chips in each bag. “No, I’m not joking,” he said, as the audience laughed. “It’s called shrinkflation.”

What does this somewhat-jargon-y term mean, exactly? Shrinkflation refers to when companies shave the corner off a chunk of soap, for example, or pack less ice cream in a container (Biden has stewed about this one in particular) and still charge the same or higher prices. Companies that sell products such as chips and toilet paper can generally grow either by charging consumers more or by reducing their own costs, Sucharita Kodali, a retail analyst at Forrester, told me. Companies are seeing that they’ve hit the ceiling on what consumers will pay, so they are turning to the strategy of offering less for the buyer’s dollar.

.... Calling out shrinkflation deflects the blame for persistent inflation from policy makers to greedy companies, and it makes Biden look aligned with consumers against the threat of being ripped off. ... Biden’s candy-bar crusade may not be much more than political messaging for now. But it fits with a narrative he hammered home consistently in last night’s speech: that Donald Trump is a friend to the billionaires, in contrast to Biden’s own image as a friend to the working American. With shrinkflation, he’s hitting on an issue that riles up voters and matters to working people. (Read more)

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CPAC rates Tennessee 3rd most Conservative State Legislature.

 

by Rod Williams, March 9, 2024- At one time I was a big fan of CPAC. I attended two of their conventions and found them informative, enjoyable, and stimulating. CPAC is the Conservative Political Action Conference. It is an annual political conference attended by conservative activists and elected officials from across the country. CPAC has been in existence since 1974. 

The organization used to feature popular conservative politician and pundit and also provide scholarly discussions of public policy issues. Unfortunately, CPAC has descended into a Trump rally and a showcase for nut-jobs. Marjorie Taylor Green was one of their speakers this year. There was a time when CPAC was somewhat of a gatekeeper as to who was welcome into the conservative big tent.  They kept out the fringe. Those days are gone.

CPAC is the creation of the American Conservative Union which has been around since 1964. They have probably been the most influential conservative organization in the county. In1971, ACU implemented a numerical rating for how conservative was each member of Congress. I am not sure of the year, but in recent years they have implemented a rating system for the members of state legislatures for each state in the union.

Since I no longer have confidence in CPAC and since some positions that were once seen as conservative are now considered liberal, I no longer put much confidence in CPAC's ratings of Congress. I have not done an analysis of CPAC's scoring mechanism and the votes they include in their score; I am simply suspending my trust in CPAC until they return to normalcy and regain my trust.

I have looked at the list of bills used to score the Tennessee legislature and have looked at a few other states. This is cursory and by no means an in-depth analysis, but I think the CPAC score of state legislatures has value.  Take if for what it is worth, but you can view the detailed report at this link. At that link you can see the score of your individual members of the legislature. 

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For Whom do I want to Vote, ...

.. the guy who wants to weigh, measure, and count my snickers, 

or the guy who attempted an insurrection. 

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LAST NIGHT AT THE METRO COUNCIL

 From Megan Podsiedlik, reposted from The Pamphleteer, March 7, 2024- Last night’s meeting was pretty straightforward. The council breezed through the 145-item agenda in four hours, passing much of the legislation on consent.

At the top of the evening, the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission gained a few more appointees. Following adamant support from Nashville’s walk/bike community, Freddie O’Connell sponsored legislation to reestablish the committee toward the end of his time on the council. As new members of the commission, Ashleigh Wilson, Matthew Hertz, and Katherine McDonell will work alongside the Vision Zero advisory committee to promote cycling and pedestrian safety. 

One of the nine pieces of legislation that makes up the NEST initiative was brought forward on first reading. The bill would create new regulations to “eliminate minimum lot areas for mobile homes, multifamily houses, and non-residential uses” in residential multifamily zoning districts. In the end, the bill was indefinitely deferred; however, Councilmember Hortin assured the council that it would be brought back onto the docket once stormwater studies are completed. 

Earlier in the meeting, the council heard a resolution which would request a number of departments to carry out a “comprehensive analysis” regarding zoning that would increase density in Nashville. It would also ask those departments to “make recommendations regarding land use policy which incorporates affordable and workforce housing strategies that can be supported by existing and planned infrastructure.”

This legislation comes in response to the deluge of changes brought forward by at-large Councilmember Quin Evans Segall at the end of January. Though the legislation was deferred for one meeting, Evans Segall hopped onto the resolution as a sponsor. A diplomatic move, considering her previous assertion that the NEST legislation made adjustments to Metro’s zoning codes based on extensive research.

Also moving through council is the Imagine East Bank plan. Councilmember Jacob Kupin moved to defer a resolution codifying Metro’s agreement to bring the Tennessee Performing Arts Center across the river. This two-meeting deferment syncs the resolution’s reading with the final reading of the bill, establishing the East Bank master development agreement and ground lease agreements.

Finally, the council is still allocating APRA money. Members agreed to put $225,000 toward small business recovery, $75,000 of which is specifically earmarked for minority-owned businesses. Metro’s immigrant legal services were also extended via a whopping $1,630,679 in APRA funds. Lastly, $2,395,322 was allocated to “provide legal representation to low and moderate-income Davidson County renters to defend against landlord eviction.”

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Financial State of the Union Report

 Federal Government’s Financial Condition Worsened by $7.9 Trillion

From Truth in Accounting, March 7, 2024- Truth in Accounting’s review of the latest available audited Financial Report of the U.S. Government found its overall financial condition worsened by $7.9 trillion in 2023. Elected officials continue to make financial decisions that have left the federal government with a debt burden of $153.9 trillion, which equates to a $966,000 burden for every federal taxpayer and earns the federal government an “F” grade.

The Treasury Department only included a fraction, $247 billion, of the Social Security and Medicare liabilities on the federal balance sheet because, unknown to most people, according to government documents, recipients do not have the right to any benefits beyond the benefits to be paid next month, and laws to reduce or stop future benefits can be passed at any time.

Accurate accounting dictates that liabilities should be recorded when it is likely that future payments will be made and when those amounts can be reasonably estimated. Truth in Accounting believes the government will likely fulfill its commitments to provide Social Security and Medicare benefits, and the programs’ trustees provide an estimated amount of these benefits. Therefore, in addition to federal assets and liabilities reported by the Treasury on the federal balance sheet, Truth in Accounting’s assessment of the government’s financial condition includes liabilities for promised but not funded Medicare and Social Security benefits totaling $66.2 trillion and $50.3 trillion, respectively.

The U.S. Government’s debt and deficits have become astronomical and seemingly impossible to control. Nontransparent flawed budgeting and accounting techniques currently produce inaccurate dollar amounts, making the federal government’s finances difficult, if not impossible, to manage. The first step in managing the nation’s finances should be presenting accurate and transparent figures through full accrual budgeting and accounting that includes the costs and growth in the liabilities related to the two programs our seniors rely on the most, Social Security and Medicare. Then Congress, the President and the American people would have the financial information they need to make knowledgeable tax and spending decisions. (link)

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Davidson County Republican Party Applauds Donald Trump Primary Win

 

Rod's comment: Obviously, I am not applauding. 

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What's on Tonight's Council Agenda

by Rod Williams, March 7, 2024 - Below is the email newsletter report on the Council agenda provided by Rae Keohane. Rae is a local active Republican. It should go without saying that her opinions are her own.  Reposting her newsletter does not signify my agreement.  While I do agree with most of her positions; not all.  One area of disagreement is that I support the NEST proposals and Rae does not. I generally favor less government restriction on private property instead of more.  Note that the highlighting and bold typeface is in the original email. 

Rae reads and studies each Metro Council agenda and shares her opinion on items of interest and shares her email to those on an email distribution list. Having done this myself in the past, I know how time consuming this can be. If you would like to be included on Rae's email distribution list, contact her at raekeo@aol.com. 

In addition to her reporting on the Council, Rae is a facilitator of the Nashville Conservatives breakfast group. 

Hello BRANDON AND ALL COUNCIL MEMBERS

 

Since you will be voting on several matters of concern below is my opinion and questions about some matters before you tonight. 

I would appreciate some responses to my questions.

I spend a few hours on this each meeting I would appreciate a response to my questions.

I and many others will be WATCHING you all on TV! 

 

I have a comment about the TRANSIT use here in Nashville 2024 as per the forecast published by WeGo-MTA, Total Revenue = $11million, Total bus Expense = $102million. This means that for each $2 trip paid by passenger, the cost to non-riding taxpayer additional $18.00.  Do you believe Metro Taxpayers would agree for a Tax increase for Mayor Freddie’s “Transit Plan”? Source MTA .

I don’t usually comment on developments outside my council district but since you all are considering ELIMINATING the SINGLE-FAMILY ZONING FOR ALL OF DAVIDSON COUNTY, I WILL NO LONGER LIMIT MY COMMENTS.  IN LIGHT OF WHAT YOU ARE ALL CONSIDERING COUNCILMANIC COURTESY SHOULD GO THE WAY OF THE DODO BIRD! In my considered opinion part of the housing problem in Nashville is the NOO STR’S.  You passed a zoning class of ns AND IT SHOULD BE USED!!!!!!   I have a building right next to me empty Monday -Thurs which could have been several apartments. There is a large building on 31^st AVE & LONG BLVD which is 100% AIR BNB/ NOO STR!

BL2024-211 I OPPOSE PERMITTING NOO STR in this development! THIS IS OUTRAGEOUS! You are all considering removing single family zoning and yet you are trying to permit NOO STR’S in this development!  NOO STR’s in my opinion are one of the reasons we have a shortage of AFFORDABLE housing I am living near a development of 100% STR’S on 31^st AVE N & LONG BLVD! You have no right to complain about AFFORDABLE HOUSING SHORTAGES when you do things like this! We supported and passed a NS zone for a reason this is so insulting I am outraged! An ordinance to amend Title 17 of the Metropolitan Code of Laws, the Zoning Ordinance of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, by amending a Specific Plan for various properties located along Limestone Place, River Pearl Place and W. Trinity Lane, approximately 215 feet west of Youngs Lane, zoned SP (5.15 acres), to permit short term rental properties - not owner occupied, and modify building height and sidewalk conditions, all of which is described herein (Proposal No. 2018SP-082-003).

BL2023-56 What is being done to restrict NOO STR’S in this development?    An ordinance to amend Title 17 of the Metropolitan Code of Laws, the Zoning Ordinance of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, by changing from AR2a and SP to SP zoning on properties located at 6419, 6423 and 6431 Pettus Road, and a portion of property located at 8001 Warbler Way, approximately 620 feet northeast of Nolensville Pike (28.71 acres), to permit 230 multi-family residential units and a fire station, all of which is described herein (Proposal No. 2023SP-016-001).

BL2023-59 What is being done to restrict NOO STR’S in this development?     An ordinance to amend Title 17 of the Metropolitan Code of Laws, the Zoning Ordinance of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, by changing from SP to R40 zoning for property located at 6397 Pettus Road, at the northeast corner of Warbler Way and Pettus Road (0.96 acres), all of which is described herein (Proposal No. 2023Z-049PR-001).

BL2023-103 What is being done to restrict NOO STR’S in this development?     An ordinance to amend Title 17 of the Metropolitan Code of Laws, the Zoning Ordinance of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, by changing from RS20 to SP zoning for property located at 3800 Old Hickory Boulevard, at the corner of Anthony Street and Old Hickory Boulevard, (0.39 acres), to permit five multi-family residential units, all of which is described herein (Proposal No. 2023SP-069-001).

BL2023-117 What is being done to restrict NOO STR’S in this development?     An ordinance to amend Title 17 of the Metropolitan Code of Laws, the Zoning Ordinance of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, by changing from RS7.5 to R6 zoning for property located at 2327B Whites Creek Pike, approximately 265 feet northwest of Luzon Street, (0.15 acres), all of which is described herein (Proposal No. 2023Z-091PR-001).

BL2023-130/131 What is being done to restrict NOO STR’S in these developments?     An ordinance to amend Title 17 of the Metropolitan Code of Laws, the Zoning Ordinance of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, by changing from CS to SP zoning for property located at 3910 Central Pike, approximately 240 feet west of Old Hickory Boulevard, (2.06 acres) and located within a Planned Unit Development Overlay District, to permit 127 multi-family residential units in an existing building, all of which is described herein (Proposal No. 2023SP-079-001).

BL2024-154 I SUPPORT. An ordinance amending Section 17.36.120 of the Metropolitan Code, Zoning Regulations regarding the age of eligibility for signs to considered for a Historic Landmark Signage Overlay (Proposal No. 2024Z-002TX-001).

BL2024-212 I SUPPORT.  An ordinance to amend Title 17 of the Metropolitan Code of Laws, the Zoning Ordinance of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, by changing from OR20 to MUL-A-NS zoning for property located at 600 40th Ave. N., at the northeast corner of Delaware Avenue and 40th Ave. N. (0.26 acres), all of which is described herein (Proposal No. 2023Z-102PR-001).

BL2024-214 What is being done to restrict NOO STR’S in this development?     An ordinance to amend Title 17 of the Metropolitan Code of Laws, the Zoning Ordinance of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, by changing from CL and OR20 to SP zoning on properties located at 1520 Hampton Street and Avondale Circle (unnumbered), at the southwest corner of Hampton Street and Avondale Circle, and partially located within a Corridor Design Overlay District (1.81 acres), to permit up to 51 multi-family residential units, all of which is described herein (Proposal No. 2023SP-077-001).

BL2024-216 I SUPPORT.  An ordinance to amend Title 17 of the Metropolitan Code of Laws, the Zoning Ordinance of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, by changing from R6 to OR20-A zoning for property located at 601 21st Ave. N., approximately 410 feet west of Spruce Street (0.24 acres), all of which is described herein (Proposal No. 2023Z-104PR-001).

BL2024-217 What is being done to restrict NOO STR’S in this development?     An ordinance to amend Title 17 of the Metropolitan Code of Laws, the Zoning Ordinance of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, by changing from AR2A to SP zoning for property located at 5043 Mt. View Road, approximately 1000 feet southeast of the intersection of Mt. View Road and Hickory Hollow Parkway (2.03 acres), to permit 20 multi-family residential units, all of which is described herein (Proposal No. 2023SP-042-001).

BL2024-219 I SUPPORT.  An ordinance to amend Title 17 of the Metropolitan Code of Laws, the Zoning Ordinance of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, by changing from R10 to RM15-A-NS zoning for property located at 2126 Bellefield Ave., approximately 166 feet northwest of Courtney Ave. (0.45 acres), all of which is described herein (Proposal No. 2024Z-006PR-001).

BL2024-220 I SUPPORT.  An ordinance to amend Title 17 of the Metropolitan Code of Laws, the Zoning Ordinance of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, by changing from RS5 to R6-A zoning for property located at 1708 17th Ave. N., approximately 250 feet northwest of Wheless Street (0.19 acres) and located within a Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit Overlay District, all of which is described herein (Proposal No. 2023Z-109PR-001).

BL2024-221 What is being done to restrict NOO STR’S in this development?     An ordinance to amend Title 17 of the Metropolitan Code of Laws, the Zoning Ordinance of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, by changing from CS and RS10 to SP zoning for properties located at 3525, 3533, 3537, and 3539 Dickerson Pike, Dickerson Pike (unnumbered), and Due West Avenue North (unnumbered), approximately 970 feet south of the intersection of Dickerson Pike and Due West Ave. N., (36.92 acres), to permit a mixed use development with 22,000 square feet of non-residential uses and 525 multi-family residential units, all of which is described herein (Proposal No. 2022SP-077-001).

BL2024-223 What is being done to restrict NOO STR’S in this development?     An ordinance to amend Title 17 of the Metropolitan Code of Laws, the Zoning Ordinance of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, by changing from RS7.5 to SP on property located at 1009 Solley Drive, west of the corner of Gallatin Pike and Solley Drive (2.31 acres), to permit 24 multi-family residential units, all of which is described herein (Proposal No. 2023SP-020-001).

BL2024-225 I SUPPORT!  An ordinance to amend Title 17 of the Metropolitan Code of Laws, the Zoning Ordinance of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, by changing from R6-A to RM20-A-NS zoning for property located at 92 Claiborne Street, approximately 130 feet north of Cannon Street (0.13 acres), all of which is described herein (Proposal No. 2023Z-106PR-001).

BL2024-226 I SUPPORT!  An ordinance to amend Title 17 of the Metropolitan Code of Laws, the Zoning Ordinance of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, by changing from AR2a to RM9-NS zoning for property located at 5932 Mt. View Road, approximately 700 feet northeast of Murfreesboro Pike (5.03 acres), and located in the Murfreesboro Pike Urban Design Overlay, all of which is described herein (Proposal No. 2023Z-110PR-001).

BL2024-228 I SUPPORT!  An ordinance to amend Title 17 of the Metropolitan Code of Laws, the Zoning Ordinance of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, by changing from RS7.5 to RM9-A-NS zoning for properties located at 2232, 2236, 2240 and 2244 Monticello Drive, approximately 334 feet southeast of Monticello Drive and Monticello Street (0.8 acres), all of which is described herein (Proposal No. 2024Z-011PR-001).

RS2024-266 I SUPPORT!  A resolution accepting a grant from the State of Tennessee, Division of Elections, to the Metropolitan Government, acing by and through the Davidson County Election Commission, to provide funds to county election commissions for expenditures to upgrade voting systems and improve the administration of elections.

RS2024-267 I SUPPORT!  With a question if this funding is stopped by the Federal govt how will this program be funded in the future?   A resolution accepting a Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Abuse Site-based Program grant from the U. S. Department of Justice, acting by and through the Office of Justice Programs, to the Metropolitan Government, acting by and through the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO), to serve women with histories of substance abuse disorder who are housed in DCSO facilities during their period of incarceration and upon reentry into the community.

RS2024-269 I SUPPORT!  With a question where is the other $300K coming from to replace the roof?  A resolution amending Resolution RS2022-1906 to update the Metro Action Commission’s scope of repairs and safety improvements to Metro-owned childcare centers.

RS2024-270 I SUPPORT!  A resolution approving a memorandum of understanding related to the proposed development of a multi-use performance space for the Tennessee Performance Arts Center on East Bank property owned by the Metropolitan Government.

RS2024-271 I OPPOSE!  Is this an appropriate use of the AARP funds and what are you going to do when this runs out? A resolution appropriating $1,630,679.00 in American Rescue Plan Act funds from Fund #30216 to extend the provision of critical immigrant legal services in Davidson County.

RS2024-272/273 I SUPPORT!  This is what the AARP funds should be used for in my opinion! A resolution appropriating $75,000.00 in funds from the Nashville Small Business Recovery Fund included in the American Rescue Plan Act funds from Fund #30216 to benefit small, minority owned business in Nashville and Davidson County.

RS2024-274 How about making sure all the rent is paid to make landlords whole and make sure the tenants are also doing the right thing?  This is a real windfall for the LAWYERS IN TOWN! A resolution appropriating $2,395,322.00 in American Rescue Plan Act funds from Fund #30216 to provide legal representation to low and moderate-income Davidson County renters to defend against landlord eviction.

RS2024-275 WHEN ARE THE UNITS GOING TO BE AVAILABLE AND DONE? 2 YEARS WASN’T ENOUGH WHAT GUARANTY DO WE HAVE ANOTHER YEAR WILL BE ENOUGH?  A resolution to approve the First Amendment to a grant contract for constructing affordable housing approved by RS2022-1857 between The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, acting by and through the Metropolitan Housing Trust Fund Commission, and Crossbridge, Inc.

RS2024-276 I SUPPORT!  You need to check the end date on this Resolution it is before the start date!  A resolution accepting a grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to the Metropolitan Government, acting by and through the Metropolitan Board of Health, to provide for the prevention, surveillance, diagnosis, and treatment of HIV/AIDS and to administer a Minority AIDS Initiative program.

RS2024-277/278 I SUPPORT!  A resolution accepting a grant from the Marjorie A. Neuhoff Private Foundation, Inc. to the Metropolitan Government, acting by and through the Metropolitan Board of Health, to provide funding for the care of shelter animals at Metro Animal Care and Control.

A resolution accepting a grant from the Friends of Metro Animal Care and Control to the Metropolitan Government, acting by and through the Metropolitan Board of Health, to provide funding for Emergency Medical Care, the Safety Net Program, and the Foster Program for shelter animals.

RS2024-281/282/283 I SUPPORT!  What are you going to do when this GRANT runs out?  A resolution accepting a Nashville After Zone Alliance (NAZA) grant from the Nashville Public Library Foundation to the Metropolitan Government, acting by and through the Nashville Public Library, to fund a program manager position to help supervise NAZA capacity building and grant management that focuses on integration of Nashville’s Vision for Holistic Youth Development.

A resolution accepting a Studio NPL Outreach Coordinator Grant from the Nashville Public Library Foundation to the Metropolitan Government, acting by and through the Nashville Public Library, to fund the Studio NPL program supervisor position.

A resolution accepting a Public Library Wishing Chair Productions grant from the Nashville Public Library Foundation to the Metropolitan Government, acting by and through the Nashville Public Library, to provide puppeteers that help with education outreach by providing puppet shows to daycare centers, elementary schools, and Headstart facilities.

RS2024-285 I SUPPORT!  A resolution approving an application for an Emergency Management Performance Grant from the United States Department of Homeland Security, by and through the State of Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA), to the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, acting by and through the Office of Emergency Management (OEM), to subsidize the emergency management program for Nashville and Davidson County.

RS2024-286 I SUPPORT!  A resolution approving an application for a Justice for Families Program Grant from the U. S. Department of Justice to the Metropolitan Government, acting by and through the Office of Family Safety, to focus on finding and implementing collaborative multi-agency solutions to increase interpersonal violence victim safety and offender accountability.

RS2024-288 I SUPPORT!  This is what should be done before REZONING ALL SINGLE FAMILY ZONING IN NEIGHBORHOODS!A resolution requesting the Metropolitan Planning Department, Metropolitan Department of Codes and Building Safety, Historic Preservation Offices, Metro Water Services, and Nashville Department of Transportation and Multimodal Infrastructure to conduct the necessary technical studies, as determined by the departments, to provide a comprehensive analysis of recommended changes to the Metropolitan Code of Laws that would increase allowable density in Nashville and Davidson County and make recommendations regarding land use policy which incorporates affordable and workforce housing strategies that can be supported by existing and planned infrastructure.

RS2024-289 I SUPPORT This beautiful building should be PRESERVED!  A Resolution to requesting the Nashville International Airport to preserve the historic Colemere Manor, home to Monell’s at the Manor.

BL2024-230 I SUPPORT. A resolution urging the Tennessee General Assembly to support House Bill 1969/Senate Bill 2066 to require the installation of carbon monoxide alarms in daycares.

BL2024-231 I SUPPORT.  An ordinance approving an agreement between the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, acting by and through the Nashville Fire Department, Emergency Medical Services Division, and Vanderbilt University Medical Center to provide clinical training for the students enrolled in the Emergency Medical Technician Program.

BL2023-120 I SUPPORT!  An ordinance to amend Title 17 of the Metropolitan Code of Laws, the Zoning Ordinance of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, to amend Chapters 17.04, 17.12, and 17.40 pertaining to lot averaging, all of which is described herein (Proposal No. 2023Z-007TX-001).

BL2024-180/189 I SUPPORT!  An ordinance amending Section 9.30.010 of the Metropolitan Code of Laws regarding outdoor construction hours.

An ordinance approving a lease agreement between the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County and Nashville Garage LP for office space at 350 Deaderick Street, Nashville, Tennessee (Parcel No. 09302318400) (Proposal No. 2024M-002AG-001).

As always thanks for your time and attention.

Rae

 

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