What's on the Council Agenda for April 2.

by Rod Williams, April 2, 2024 - Below is the email newsletter report on the Council agenda provided by Rae Keohane. Rae is a local active Republican. 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. 

It should go without saying that her opinions are her own. While I do agree with most of her positions; not all. One area of disagreement is that I tend to favor less government regulation of property rights; not more.  I generally support Non-Owner Occupied Short Term Rental development. We are a tourist destination and NOO STR's are a souse of lodging for the visitors who come to spend money in our city. While I think the roll out of NEST may have been rushed and support the delay to analyze the impact on infrastructure, I support the general framework of the NEST proposal. The main reason we have a lack of affordable housing is government curtailing of housing supply by restrictive zoning. We will either grow denser or have more urban sprawl and less affordable housing. 

Note that the highlighting and bold typeface is in the original email. 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.

To access the Metro Council Agenda, the agenda analysis, the minutes of the meetings, and video of the Council meeting follow this link. 

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 the Mayor’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!

 

BL2023-132 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 CS to R6-A zoning for property located at 103 Rayon Drive, south of Bridgeway Avenue and east of Rayon Drive, (0.15 acres), all of which is described herein (Proposal No. 2023Z-078PR-001).

BL2023-134 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 CS to MUL-NS zoning for properties located at 801 and 828 Royal Parkway, east of the corner of Royal Parkway and Airport Center Drive (10.68 acres), within a Planned Unit Development Overlay District, all of which is described herein (Proposal No. 2023Z-100PR-001).

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).

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).

BL2024-229 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 R40 to RS40 zoning for various properties along Cloverland Drive, west of Cloverland Park Drive (112.76 acres), all of which is described herein (Proposal No. 2024Z-015PR-001).

BL2024-255 I SUPPORT.  An ordinance amending Section 17.40.720 of the Metropolitan Code to require mailed notice to all affected property owners of R, R-A, RS, and RS-A parcels when a change to the Zoning Code results in an increase or decrease in the number of allowed dwelling units on the affected parcels (Proposal No. 2024Z-009TX-001).

BL2024-271 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 to SP zoning for property located at 316 Homestead Road, approximately 240 feet north of Southridge Drive (1.56 acres), to permit 23 multi-family residential units, all of which is described herein (Proposal No. 2023SP-032-001).

BL2024-276 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 to SP zoning for properties located at 330 and 332 Homestead Road, approximately 745 feet west of Dickerson Pike (2.24 acres), to permit 33 multi-family residential units, all of which is described herein (Proposal No. 2023SP-041-001).

BL2024-280 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 R8 to RM15 zoning for properties at 2937 and 2939 Brick Church Pike, approximately 328 feet northeast of Brick Church Park Drive (4.24 acres), all of which is described herein (Proposal No. 2024Z-017PR-001).

BL2024-281 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 IR to SP zoning for properties located at 3900, 3906, and 3914 Charlotte Avenue, 3905, 3907, 3909, 3911, 3913, and 3915 Alabama Avenue, 411 39th Ave. N., and 406 40th Ave. N., at the northwest corner of Charlotte Avenue and 39th Ave N (2.7 acres), to permit a mixed use development with 249 multi-family residential units, all of which is described herein (Proposal No. 2023SP-054-001).

BL2024-283 I SUPPORT Good job zoning this NS. 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 properties located at 75, 77 and 79 Robertson Street, approximately 111 feet east of Fairfield Ave. (0.33 acres), all of which is described herein (Proposal No. 2024Z-007PR-001).

BL2024-284 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 RS10 to R10 zoning for property located at 1705 River Drive, approximately 390 feet east of Hydes Ferry Road, (0.75 acres), all of which is described herein (Proposal No. 2023Z-097PR-001).

BL2024-287 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 RS10 zoning for properties located at 7946 and 7968 McCrory Lane, approximately 98 feet north of Beautiful Valley Drive (22.93 acres), all of which is described herein (Proposal No. 2024Z-005PR-001).

BL2024-288 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 R10 zoning for property located at 3196 Hamilton Church Road, approximately 114 feet south of Roundwood Forest Drive (0.47 acres), all of which is described herein (Proposal No. 2024Z-012PR-001).

BL2024-289 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 amending a portion of the Residential Planned Unit Development District for property located at 8230 Eva Drive, at the southwestern corner of Tyler Drive and Andrew Jackson Parkway (3.54 acres) zoned R10, to permit 40 multi-family residential units and three detached two-family residential units, for a total of 46 units, all of which is described herein (Proposal No. 95P-004-001).

RS2024-331 I SUPPORT!  A resolution to approve the Second Amendment to a grant contract for constructing affordable housing approved by RS2021-936 between The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, acting by and through the Metropolitan Housing Trust Fund Commission, and Habitat for Humanity of Greater Nashville.

RS2024-332 I SUPPORT the intention but how many homes will be built for over $5million?  Resolution 332,333,334 add up to $11 million how many homes are we to expect? A resolution to approve the First Amendment to four grant contracts for constructing affordable housing approved by RS2022-1443 between The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, acting by and through the Metropolitan Housing Trust Fund Commission, and certain non-profit organizations.

RS2024-333 I SUPPORT the intention but how many homes will be built for over $2million? Resolution 332,333,334 add up to $11 million how many homes are we to expect?  A resolution to approve the Second Amendment to a grant contract for constructing affordable housing approved by RS2022-1443 between The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, acting by and through the Metropolitan Housing Trust Fund Commission, and Inspiritus Inc.

RS2024-334 I SUPPORT the intention but how many homes will be built for over $4 million?  Resolution 332,333,334 add up to $11 million how many homes are we to expect? A resolution to approve the First Amendment to four grant contracts for constructing affordable housing approved by RS2022-1443 between The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, acting by and through the Metropolitan Housing Trust Fund Commission, and certain non-profit organizations.

RS2024-335 I SUPPORT A resolution to approve the First Amendment to a grant contract for constructing affordable housing approved by RS2022-1444 between The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, acting by and through the Metropolitan Housing Trust Fund Commission, and Pathway Lending.

RS2024-337 I SUPPORT.   Are we making sure the payments are going to AMERICAN CITIZENS? In addition to paying the security and first month’s rent are we helping with job referrals and mental health/ addiction services for these individuals? A resolution approving a subrecipient agreement by and between the Metropolitan Development and Housing Agency (MDHA) and the Metropolitan Government, acting by and through the Metropolitan Office of Homeless Services, for one-time payments of first month’s rent and security/utility deposits on behalf of homeless persons obtaining housing through various campaigns.

RS2024-338 I SUPPORT.   A resolution approving amendments to the grant contract between the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, acting by and through the Office of Family Safety, and the Mary Parrish Center.

RS2024-339 I SUPPORT.    A resolution approving an application for an Assistance to Firefighters Grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to the Metropolitan Government, acting by and through the Metropolitan Nashville Fire Department, to provide funding for equipment to protect the health and safety of the public and first responder personnel against fire and fire-related hazards.

RS2024-340/341/342/343 I SUPPORT.    A resolution approving an intergovernmental agreement between The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, by and through the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department, and Dickson County, by and through the Dickson County Sheriff’s Office, for the distribution of state grant funds to assist with investigations of internet crimes against children.

RS2024-344 I SUPPORT.    I hope this means convicted FELONS who should not LEGALLY have guns will be prosecuted!  A resolution approving an application for a Project Safe Neighborhoods grant from the Tennessee Department of Finance and Administration to the Metropolitan Government, acting by and through the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department, to reduce gun related violence in Nashville by providing funding for overtime for the investigation of violent crimes involving guns.

RS2024-345 I SUPPORT.  I am not sure why we have to pay $25K for CSX to repair their bridge and or tracks but it is better than having a derailment. I would also suggest we do something about the poor condition of the track crossing at Ed Temple Blvd and Buchanan!  A resolution approving a preliminary engineering agreement between CSX TRANSPORTATION, INC. (CSXT), a Virginia corporation with its principal place of business in Jacksonville, Florida, and the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, acting by and through the Nashville Department of Transportation and Multimodal Infrastructure (NDOT), to facilitate the development of bridge repairs and painting at Walton Lane, Hart Lane, Division Street, Woodland Street, Nashville Zone, and Nashville Terminal Subdivision. (Proposal No. 2023M-042AG-001).

RS2024-347 Another sole source contract?  When are we going to have a full study re these sole source contracts?????  A resolution approving a contract between the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County and The TDH Company, LLC for the provision of Duperon, EnviroMix, Xylem Sanitaire, and Shand & Jurs products, parts and services for the Central Water Reclamation Facility.

RS2024-348 I OPPOSE What would be a good reason to trample on property rights of these 9 owners?  What exactly is the stormwater improvement needed to take someone’s property?   A resolution to amend Ordinance BL2022-1514 of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County to acquire permanent and temporary easements through negotiation, condemnation, and acceptance for the Radnor Street Stormwater Improvement Project for nine properties located on Radnor Street, Morton Avenue and Timmons Street, (Project No. 22-SWC-238 and Proposal No. 2022M-141ES-002)

RS2024-351 I SUPPORT! I suggest we start with Mental health and addiction services to the “un-housed” persons. Save some time in analysis!  A resolution requesting certain departments of the Metropolitan Government to provide a comprehensive analysis of recommended changes to increase the safety, security, housing resources for the unhoused, and cleanliness of the properties surrounding the Cumberland River within the downtown interstate loop.

RS2024-352 I SUPPORT!  A resolution expressing support to the Tennessee General Assembly for House Bill 2814/Senate Bill 2710 regarding drag racing.

RS2024-353 I OPPOSE Have any of you read the audit? How do you think the university can continue to give so much money in scholarships and stay solvent?  A resolution opposing legislation vacating the state university board of Tennessee State University and allowing the management, governance, powers, and duties to be transferred to the Tennessee higher education commission.

BL2024-254 I SUPPORT!  An ordinance to amend Title 15 of the Metropolitan Code of Laws relative to infrastructure investment for offsite construction.

BL2024-290 I SUPPORT!   An ordinance to amend Chapter 2.196 of the Metropolitan Code of Laws regarding lobbying.

BL2024-291 I SUPPORT!   An ordinance amending Section 12.41.080(C) of the Metropolitan Code of Laws to allow the Metropolitan Government, acting by and through the Nashville Department of Transportation and Multimodal Infrastructure (NDOT), to charge and collect fees for use of the public right-of-way, in connection with applications for valet parking permits.

BL2024-292 I SUPPORT!  With one proviso if an outside organization does not maintain the bush or tree there must be some consequence.  We cannot have STOP signs or visibility blocked.  An ordinance amending Section 13.08.050 of the Metropolitan Code of Laws with respect to planting trees, bushes, hedges, or other landscaping amenities within the right-of-way of any street within the area of the Metropolitan Government.

BL2024-293 I OPPOSE! Sometime FENCES make good neighbors and some folks in Nashville may not be able to afford a fee in addition to putting up a fence. Will there be some consideration of fee waivers?  An ordinance amending Chapter 15.64 and Chapter 16.04 of the Metropolitan Code of Laws to restrict fences in the floodway and floodplain and to require a fence permit for all fences to be constructed within Nashville and Davidson County.

BL2024-294 I SUPPORT!   An ordinance to amend Section 15.64.170 of the Metropolitan Code of Laws regarding development of athletic fields within floodways.

BL2024-259 I OPPOSE! The city should not be involved . The members of the Restrictive covenant or HOA should vote to either remove or not remove restrictions.    An ordinance authorizing the director of the Metropolitan Planning Department, or her designee, to terminate the declaration of restrictive covenants for Bowen House and 2830 Donelson.

As always thanks for your time and attention.

Rae

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Reps Andy Ogles and Charles Fleischmann of Tennessee, 2 of 7 sponsors to rename Dulles Airport, Donald Trump Airport

by Rod Williams, April 2, 2024- Several House Republicans are proposing to rename the Washington Dulles International Airport the "Donald J. Trump International Airport." Dulles is the largest airport in the Washington area and is named to honor John Foster Dulles, who served as Secretary of State in the Cold War era under former President Dwight Eisenhower. The other airport in the Washington, D.C.-area is the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.

The bill to rename Dulles to Trump was introduced last Friday by Rep. Guy Reschenthaler of Pennsylvania. So far the bill has six co-sponsors:  Reps. Michael Waltz of Florida, Andy Ogles of Tennessee, Charles Fleischmann of Tennessee, Paul Gosar of Arizona, Barry Moore of Alabama and Troy Nehls of Texas.   

Maybe they should rename it the Benedict Arnold International Airport. 

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The Microschool Movement Is Taking Off in Tennessee

by Kerry McDonald, Foundation for Economic Education, April 2, 2024 - I recently heard someone dismiss microschools as insignificant in the education space due to their size. It’s true that microschools are intentionally small, typically below 100 students, but they are steadily growing nationwide. Small things sometimes make the biggest impact. For example, the 33 million small businesses in the U.S. form the backbone of the economy, comprising 99.9 percent of all companies and employing more than 61 million people. 

Small is scalable.

In addition to their small size, microschools are also usually low-cost, highly personalized learning programs, often with a creative curriculum and supple scheduling. They were gaining momentum pre-pandemic and took off following COVID school closures and prolonged remote learning. As someone who has been following alternative education trends for years, I suspected microschooling — and its cousin, homeschooling — would remain above pre-pandemic levels even after schools returned to normal. But I have been pleasantly surprised to see a continued acceleration of these programs in many areas of the country.

Tennessee is a case in point. I recently visited five microschools and related learning models around Nashville and Chattanooga. All of them have launched in the past four years and most opened within the past two years. Their enrollment is quickly rising, and some have already hit capacity with long waitlists. Demand for these start-up schools shows no signs of slowing.

The oldest of the programs I visited opened in August 2020. Located on an organic farm in Smyrna, Tennessee, about 20 miles outside of Nashville, Bloomsbury Farm School began with one teacher and five homeschooled children, including farmer Lauren Palmer’s own five-year-old. By January 2021, the program had 30 children and two teachers. Today, it is a Reggio Emilia-inspired K-5 farm school, with additional parent-child programming for littler ones, that serves 86 children. 

Blending core academics and interest-driven learning, along with abundant outside time and opportunities to help with farm duties, the farm school is currently at maximum enrollment, with dozens of children on a waitlist. All of the children are recognized homeschoolers, with most attending two to three days a week. The full-time, five-day option costs $900/month. “For the majority of our families, COVID was the catalyst to them beginning their homeschooling journey,” said Kaiti Dewhirst, Bloomsbury Farm’s Director of Education. She says now these families don’t want their children in a conventional classroom. “They see the farm school as an opportunity to preserve childhood wonder.” Dewhirst and her team are in the planning stages of determining how to extend their program to middle school and beyond, as well as serve more families on the waitlist.

In Franklin, another Nashville suburb, Harpeth Montessori opened its doors as a recognized private school in fall 2021 with over 40 learners, including toddlers to fifth graders. Today, it has nearly 100 students and 16 staff members. Founders Greg and Jennifer Biorkman never expected to own a school. Both have backgrounds in business and sales and were working full-time jobs when COVID hit and disrupted the education of their two young boys. They decided to create their ideal learning environment with trained Montessori teachers and a focus on child-centered learning.

“We truly could not find a school we wanted to send our children to,” said Jennifer. “It was simple supply and demand.” Last year, Greg left his corporate job to oversee Harpeth Montessori full time, and is planning to expand the program to middle schoolers in the fall while managing a growing waitlist. 

“This community is very open to alternatives to conventional education but there are not a lot of options,” he said, acknowledging that there is a lot of opportunity for other entrepreneurial parents and teachers to launch small schools.

Further south, the Chattanooga area has some of the newest microschools and related learning models in the state. In fall 2022, Rebecca Ellis opened Canyon Creek Christian Academy in Chattanooga with 32 K-6 students. A Charlotte Mason-inspired hybrid homeschool program, Canyon Creek learners attend full-time classes three days a week focused on core academics and deep nature study, while working through curriculum at home on the remaining two days. Today, Canyon Creek Christian Academy has more than 50 learners with five full-time teachers and additional part-time instructors. 

The Academy recently leased additional church space next door to continue to accommodate its growing enrollment. “We are getting more kids trying to pull out of the public school system,” said Ellis, who says her program’s low-stress, child-focused environment is appealing to parents — especially those whose children are growing anxious in test-heavy conventional schools. Canyon Creek’s low annual tuition, currently set at $3,750, is also attractive, costing significantly less than other local private schools.

Just a few miles down the road in Chattanooga, Discovery Learners’ Academy also opened in fall 2022. Founded by Rachel Good, who worked as a public school teacher in Washington and Tennessee for over eight years, Discovery Learners’ Academy, is a state-recognized private school with a personalized educational approach that opened with 21 learners and today has 50 — about 15 of whom attend part-time as homeschoolers. Half of all the school’s students are neurodiverse, a population that Good caters to as a former special education teacher. Indeed, her inability to fully serve special needs students in the conventional school system was one of the reasons she left the public schools. “I was always trying to advocate for these kids and was always hitting a brick wall,” said Good.

At $7,000 a year, Discovery Learners’ Academy is about half the cost of most traditional private schools in the area, and less than the $10,850 a year that the local Hamilton County public schools spend per student. Even so, tuition is still financially out-of-reach for many families, and the school currently doesn’t qualify for the state’s small education choice program. “It’s so heartbreaking when a parent asks if they can use their voucher here and I have to say no,” said Good, who is supportive of current efforts by Tennessee lawmakers to expand school choice policies.

The newest microschool I visited in the Volunteer State opened in August in Cleveland, just outside of
Chattanooga. Triumph Acton Academy is a home-based learning pod for homeschoolers that is part of the fast-growing Acton Academy network that includes more than 300 independently-operated, learner-driven microschools, serving thousands of students. 

In spring 2023, Alexis and JT Rubatsky listened to a podcast with Acton Academy co-founder, Jeff Sandefer, explaining the philosophy of learner-driven education where young people are empowered to pursue their passions while mastering core curriculum content. They were hooked, and knew immediately that it was the type of education they wanted for their two boys, ages six and 11. “Our kids weren’t thriving in school, and as a teacher, I saw that there was so much focus on the tests, on shoving information down their throats,” said Alexis, who quit her job teaching high school biology in the local public schools to open Triumph. The year started with five learners, including the Rubatskys’ two boys. Half-way through their first year, enrollment has more than doubled to 11 learners and the founders know it won’t be long before they outgrow their home-based classroom for a larger space.

“I would love for there to be lots of options,” said Alexis, who is encouraged by the growth of microschools and related models in Tennessee and across the U.S. She is already connecting with local founders like Rachel Good, who is working to build community among the entrepreneurial parents and teachers who are creating these new options. Working collaboratively, these small schools can have an even greater impact.

“I want to support these innovative educators,” said Good. “We need to have that variety of options.” 

Rod's Comment: I am pleased to see the growth of innovation and choice in education. My grandson attends Bloombury one day a week. A lot of his time is spend playing in the "forest." They get muddy and climb trees and play in the creek and feed chickens and pet goats and learn and have a great time. I have visited the school and am impressed and glad my grandson is having this experience. 

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Nick Adams speaks on Immigration, Trump, and the founding of FLAG

 

Posting of a press release or an announcement of an event does not necessarily indicate an endorsement. Rod

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State Rep. Gino Bulso will Hold a Town Hall, Friday, April 5

District 61 State Representative, Gino Bulso, will hold a town hall meeting on Friday, April 5, 2024, from 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm. Representative Bulso will discuss important topics, such as the House and Senate versions of Governor Lee's signature Education Freedom Scholarship Act and what it means, or could mean, to Williamson County schools, as well as discuss any other issues of interest to voters. 

"This legislative session has been very active and we've made great progress on numerous issues important to our state and communities. I really appreciate the feedback I get from voters and these town halls are a great forum for discussion", said District 61 State Representative, Gino Bulso.

For those unable to make the in-person meeting at the Franklin City Hall, there will be a live stream that can be accessed on the "Gino Bulso TN State Representative" Facebook page. Voters will be able to watch the meeting and present any questions.

Town Hall Meeting Location: Franklin City Hall 109 3rd Ave S, Franklin, TN, 37064.

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When will Metro Arts 2023 grant recipients be paid? We don't know. 2024 Grant Reviews put on Hold.

by CHAR DASTON, WPLN, MARCH 29, 2024 - It’s been a week since Nashville’s Finance Director, Kevin Crumbo, announced that he’ll take charge of paying the arts community the grant money promised them by Metro Arts in 2023. This plan is meant to resolve months of delays and disputes over the amounts each artist and arts organization will receive. But Crumbo has not given a timeline for the payments, or explained how Metro Arts will be involved in the process. 

Until the 2023 grants are paid, Metro Arts staff and commissioners say they’re putting the upcoming grant review cycle on hold. That affects a record number of artists and organizations who applied for funding back in January. 

Moreover, Crumbo is hesitant to fund the next round of grants, saying he lacks confidence in Metro Arts leadership. And Mayor Freddie O’Connell has said there may not be additional money to accommodate the higher number of applicants. 

“(Fiscal year) ’25 is not going to be a year where we look to increase investments in ... (read more)

Also see:

•  Metro Finance steps in to take over agency’s finances as embattled director Daniel Singh looks for new job out of state
• How Did Metro Arts Get Here?
• Things are still, still a mess at the Metro Arts Commission. Mismanagement could Imperil Metro Arts Budget. Race-based funding could be Unconstitutional.
• Metro Arts Commission, sicker by the day. Will Cheek to Resign amid Death Threats.
• Metro Arts Commision still Crazy after all These Years. Racism causes Director to take Sick Leave.
• Things are still a mess at the Metro Arts Commission. Metro Arts launches initiative to 'return land, money, and resources' to 'Indigenous, African, and Asian peoples'

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Tennessee Senate votes for resolution blocking statewide property tax

 By Jon Styf | The Center Square,  Mar 28, 2024 - The Tennessee Senate on Thursday passed a joint
resolution to ban a statewide property tax.

House Joint Resolution 81 previously passed the House 81-11 and is the first step in a process to put the property tax ban in the Tennessee Constitution. The state doesn’t have a property tax currently but Sen. Frank Niceley, R-Strawberry Plains, said it did have one until 1949 before making the property tax 0%, where it has remained.

Niceley said the amendment process would remove the option of the state adding a statewide property tax again in the future in addition to local property taxes.

“The property tax belongs in counties and cities, that’s a local tax,” Niceley said.

The resolution will next have to pass both bodies of the Legislature by a two-thirds margin next year before it would go on a statewide ballot in 2026.

Americans For Prosperity-Tennessee has pushed for the statewide property tax ban.

“Over the next two years, AFP-TN will activate grassroots volunteers and engage in campaigns to educate Tennesseans about the process for amending our state constitution,” AFP-Tennessee State Director Tori Venable said. “We look forward to building off this legislative success and keeping up the momentum to ensure Tennessee constitutionally bans the statewide property tax as we did the income tax.”

Sen. Jeff Yarbro, D-Nashville, said he thinks it is disingenuous for the state Legislature to pretend it doesn’t have a property taxing role because it requires local governments to have local property taxes.

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Governor Lee Signs Bill Prohibiting Local Government from Restricting Duties of Law Enforcement

by Kaitlin Housler, The Tennessee Star, March 28, 2024- Tennessee Governor Bill Lee signed a bill prohibiting local governments from limiting the ability of law enforcement agencies to conduct routine traffic stops on Thursday.

The bill, SB 2572/HB 1931, was sponsored by State Senator Brent Taylor (R-Memphis) and State Representative John Gillespie (R-Memphis). .... 

The Memphis City Council recently passed an ordinance prohibiting the Memphis Police Department from initiating pretextual traffic stops for minor traffic violations. (read more)

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Rep. Susan Lynn, Week 11 Recap

 From Rep. Susan Lynn, March 31, 2024- 

Rep. Susan Lynn Open Meetings Act Bill is Set to be heard in the Finance Subcommittee Next Week Rep. Lynn is pleased to inform you that HB2176 is up in committee on Wednesday, April 3. This office will update you as the bill moves through the committee process. To watch the stream, please click here. State Rep. Susan Lynn Passes Textbook Accommodations in Tennessee Schools House Bill 2177 advanced out of the House and now becomes a part of the Public Chapter.  House Bill 2177 requires schools that provide electronic textbooks and instructional materials to provide a student reasonable access to a printed version of the material if the student or their parent requests it. The request must be written and submitted to the student’s principal for the accommodations. “Every child is unique in their learning style. While most students are used to technology in the classroom, some students struggle reading on a computer or tablet. This legislation ensures that they have the option for a printed version if they need it,” Lynn said. This will not burden school districts with additional costs as most electronic textbook and instructional material subscriptions cost the same as the physical textbooks. “At the beginning of the year, school districts can estimate how many physical textbooks they may need and purchase those for these select students and the rest can go towards the subscriptions,” Lynn said.

House Approves Protecting Children from Social Media Act The Tennessee House of Representatives this week approved legislation that restores parental authority online by requiring social media companies to verify the ages of account holders. The Protecting Children from Social Media Act requires parental consent before a minor creates an account on a social media platform. It also gives parents a high level of access to supervise their child’s online interactions as well as the ability to revoke consent if necessary. The legislation was filed by State Rep. Jake McCalmon, R-Franklin, in partnership with Gov. Bill Lee’s administration. “(This bill) does not apply to commerce platforms such as Amazon, Ebay or online auctions,” McCalmon said Monday. “It is simply putting the choice in the hands of parents (to decide) whether or not they want their kids on social media.” Social media use has a “profound risk of harm” on young people, according to an advisory warning from the U.S. Surgeon General last year. Similar legislation requiring age verification on social media sites has already been approved in Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas and Utah.  The companion version of House Bill 1891 is still advancing through the Senate.

Republicans Simplify Franchise Tax and Return Money to Taxpayers The House Finance, Ways and Means Subcommittee this week advanced legislation to cut $400 million in taxes by simplifying the state’s franchise tax, which is a tax on a business's net worth. This adjustment will offer relief to taxpayers, modernize the way the tax is calculated, and manage newly discovered legal risks.  “Smart, conservative budgeting over the last decade has put our state in a strong fiscal position to offer equitable relief for businesses and modernize the way our tax structure is calculated,” said bill sponsor House Majority Leader William Lamberth, R-Portland. “This legislation will align Tennessee’s franchise tax with surrounding states. This amendment respects and upholds the public’s right to know by adding transparency about any rebates that may occur.” House Bill 1893 will restructure Tennessee’s franchise tax to remove the property measure and authorize the Department of Revenue to issue refunds to taxpayers who have paid the franchise tax based on property located in the state. A House amendment adds a requirement for any refunds distributed in accordance with this bill to be made public. It also allows companies who wish to stay under the current tax structure for the tax period ending before Dec. 31, 2023 to do so. If a business applying for a refund has also received economic credits or incentives from the Tennessee Department of Community Development, the credit amount would be applied to the refund first. The refund eligibility window is now for tax periods that ended on or after March 31, 2022 and refund claims must be filed by Feb 3, 2025. For a business that received economic incentives or credits from the state through the Tennessee Department of Community Development, the credit received would apply toward the refund.  House Bill 1893 is expected to be heard for consideration in the full House Finance, Ways, and Means Committee on April 2.

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