My Comment

Last week, I mentioned that our infrastructure is not keeping up with our development. I don't think anyone who lives in Williamson County is unaware of the traffic snarls on various roads in the county. As we add homes and apartments, we also add burden to our roadways, water, sewer, solid waste, fire and rescue, policing and our school system.

Because of our current codes and zoning, it is impossible to say a flat out no to any new development. Landowners and developers have a right to submit proposals for residential and commercial development and if they pass all the code requirements, they cannot be prevented from commencing development.

I live in Franklin, so my focus as been mostly in Franklin, but there are five other municipalities that are experiencing growth pains as well. Each year, the City of Franklin publishes a Development Report. It is only 25 pages long but is loaded with enlightening statistics. Page 19 has stuck out to me and I think you will find it interesting as well:

You will notice that there are currently 39,941 housing units and another 10,876 that have been approved as of year end 2024 but are not yet under construction. An additional 367 housing permits have been issued so far in 2025.

Here is the history of approved developments currently under construction that go back as far as 2001.

The last set of statistics that we need to consider is, population growth. In 1990, we were at 20,098; currently we stand at 92,000+ and it is estimated that we will be at almost 104,000 in five years.

I don't know the full number of housing units in the unincorporated areas of the county, but the County Planning Department told me that there are currently 700 newly approved permits. If you like to get into the details, the Williamson County Growth Plan of 2024 is an interesting read. This document shows maps of the Urban Growth Boundaries(UGB'S) for each municipality as well as the Planned Growth Areas (PGA'S) for the County. It lays out a plan of cooperation between all entities to create greater efficiencies. While I laud the intent, I don't think it goes far enough. Please read it for yourself and send any comments to me, as I am interested in what you think.

It is clear that we all have concerns about the future growth of Williamson County, but the big question is how do get things under better control?

There is a petition being circulated that is calling for a moratorium on development until the infrastructure is in place. This would be very hard to implement, however it does send a clear message. The question that haunts me is, what will Williamson County look like in ten years?

Here is the Petition and I encourage everyone to consider signing it. Petitions are a time-honored avenue for the people to let their government know what they think that goes back at least 800 years to the Magna Carta, where it received explicit protection in the English Bill of Rights of 1689. It is also mentioned in our Declaration of Independence. It has no power of law, but it does have the ability to get the attention of our elected officials.

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The AI program I use is pretty accurate, but it does make mistakes from time to time and I don't always catch them. I provide agendas and videos/audios when I have them available and recommend that you watch the video and follow along with the summary to get the most accurate report.

One of the limitations of AI is that if a participant's name is not called out, then they are listed as participant 1, 2, etc. A limitation with audio, as opposed to video, is that one cannot always identify a person by voice alone. As imperfect as these AI summaries are, they still give a pretty good account of a meeting.

Williamson County School District

Tuesday September 2nd

Policy Committee will meet at 6:00 PM in the Training Center on the 1st Floor at the Williamson County Administrative Building located on the first floor at 1320 West Main Street, Franklin Agenda Video starts at 6:00 pm on the 2nd and thereafter.

Williamson County Commission

Special Note: Since Williamson County does not record any meetings other than the commission, budget committee and planning commission meetings, I am recording all the meetings that I attend on my iPhone. We are in the process of reviewing a technology upgrade that will allow the county to record more meetings as well as include agendas, minutes and packets on our website. I will keep you up to date when progress is made

Monday August 25th

Education Committee Resolutions Audio

Committee members present: Sean Aiello chair, Pete Stresser, Matt Williams, Betsy Hester, Barb Sturgeon, and Steve Smith

AI Summary

Overview

• Education committee approved Resolution 9-25-5 to amend the school budget for $7+ million in state-funded teacher bonuses
• 3,059 teachers qualify for $2,000 each as part of ESA voucher legislation requirements
• 358 teachers don't qualify due to part-time status, partial year work, or not providing direct student services
• This is a one-time bonus funded entirely by the state with no local district contribution

Teacher bonus resolution approval

• Committee approved Resolution 9-25-5 amending the 2025-26 general purpose school budget to provide funding for teacher bonuses
• Participant 2 explained this is a pass-through of over $7 million from the state with no local district funds added
• The bonus was tied to ESA education savings account/voucher legislation
• Resolution passed unanimously with all committee members voting in favor

Bonus eligibility criteria and funding

• 3,059 teachers qualify for the $2,000 bonus—the vast majority of district teachers
• 358 teachers don't qualify because they were part-time, worked only a portion of the year, or didn't provide direct services to students for more than half the year
• Instructional coaches were specifically excluded from eligibility
• Jason Golden noted the legislation was very specific and required a 2-page FAQ to clarify eligibility requirements
• Jason Golden confirmed this is a one-time bonus, not recurring
• Every dollar comes exclusively from state funding with zero district contributi

Wednesday August 27th

Steering Committee Audio

Committee members present: Pete Stresser, Paul Webb, Chris Richards, Matt Williams, and Steve Smith

AI Summary

Overview

• Paul Webb elected as meeting chair to oversee committee assignments for the upcoming term
• All 7 committees successfully staffed and approved through formal votes
• Key constraint: commissioners cannot serve on same committee 2 consecutive years
• Megan Guffee cannot serve on Wednesday committees due to scheduling conflicts
• Committee sizes set at 5 members each (except investment with 3 members)
• Final assignments balance geographic representation, individual preferences, and workload distribution

Chair election for meeting

• Paul Webb nominated and elected unanimously as chair to conduct the committee assignment process

Committee assignment constraints and eligibility rules

• Commissioners cannot serve on the same committee for 2 consecutive years
• Former vice chairs eligible to return to same committee and potentially serve as chair
• Betsy Hester cannot serve on property committee because she's on budget committee
• Megan Guffee requested to avoid Wednesday meeting committees
• Budget committee members can serve on audit committee
• Geographic district representation considered in assignments

Law enforcement committee assignments

• Final composition: Pete Stresser, Greg Sanford, Tom Tunnicliffe, Matt Williams, Bill Petty
• Tom Tunnicliffe included as former vice chair
• Greg Sanford selected based on his preference listing
• Committee approved unanimously

Property committee assignments

• Final composition: Ricky Jones, Jennifer Mason, David O'Neill, Matt Williams, Brian Clifford
• Betsy Hester excluded due to budget committee service
• Brian Beathard initially assigned but moved to tax study committee
• Ricky Jones added to reach 5 members
• Committee approved unanimously

Education committee assignments

• Final composition: Judy Herbert, Chris Richards, Drew Torres, Bill Petty, Steve Smith
• Steve Smith returning as former vice chair
• Brian Clifford requested education as first choice but placed elsewhere
• Committee approved unanimously

Tax study committee assignments

• Final composition: Lisa Hayes, Greg Lawrence, Mary Smith, Brian Beathard, Steve Smith
• Lisa Hayes included as former vice chair
• Brian Beathard moved from property to tax study
• Mary Smith added after being moved from public health
• Committee approved unanimously

Public health committee assignments

• Final composition: Mary Smith, David O'Neill, Chris Richards, Barbara Sturgeon, Sean Aliello
• Drew Torres excluded despite being former vice chair due to already having 2 committee assignments
• Ricky Jones cannot serve due to 2 consecutive years rule
• Chris Richards added despite serving previous year (confirmed eligible)
• Committee approved unanimously

Investment and audit committee assignments

• Investment committee: Ricky Jones, Greg Sanford, Megan Guffee (3 members)
• Audit committee: Guy Carden, Pete Stresser, Brian Clifford (3 members)
• Both committees meet infrequently (investment once yearly, audit once yearly)
• Guy Carden from budget committee assigned to audit for learning experience
• Both committees approved unanimously

Final committee composition voting

• All 7 committees formally voted on and approved unanimously
• Total assignments completed with no commissioner unassigned
• Meeting adjourned after successful completion of all committee staffing

Wednesday August 27th

Property Committee Audio

Committee members present: Lisa Hayes Chair, Greg Sanford, Paul Webb, Sean Aiello and Bill Petty.

AI Summary

Overview

• Committee reviewed 6 resolutions ahead of the September 8th commission meeting, with 5 passing and 1 failing
• Conference center agreement extension failed with 4 nays after significant debate about extending the contract 26 months early and concerns over the 3% annual fee increase
• Committee approved property access easement for Charles Crew's airfield upgrade, vehicle donations, and equipment surplus to other counties
• Current conference center monthly fee is $21,880 with annual increases based on Consumer Price Index or 3%, whichever is greater

Property access easement for airfield

• Committee approved Resolution 9251 granting temporary access easement to Charles Crew across Williamson County landfill property
• Crew needs access to upgrade his private airfield, and the road he's building will benefit the county at no cost for accessing more landfill property
• Participant 4 explained the easement allows Crew to access property the county recently purchased from him
• Motion passed unanimously after brief discussion

Vehicle donation acceptance

• Committee approved Resolution 92541 accepting donation of a 2007 Honda Accord from 21st Judicial District Drug Task Force for the Sheriff's Office
• Motion passed unanimously with no discussion

Equipment surplus to Hickman County

• Committee approved Resolution 92552 to surplus law enforcement equipment including tactical carriers and helmets to Hickman County
• Equipment has no civilian market use and is no longer needed by Sheriff's Department
• motion passed unanimously

TMA vehicle surplus and auction

• Committee approved Resolution 9257 to surplus Transportation Management Association vehicles for auction
• List includes multiple Ford and Nissan vehicles with over 100,000 miles, some totaled
• Vehicles will go through auction process since county owns them
• Motion passed unanimously

Conference center agreement extension debate

• Committee rejected Resolution 92537 to extend conference center operating agreement with Carruthers Hotel Partners from October 15, 2027 to October 14, 2037
• Current monthly fee is $21,880 with annual increases of 3% or Consumer Price Index, whichever is greater
• Participant 6 opposed extending the contract 26 months early, arguing 3% minimum increase is inadequate after 30 years
• Participant 3 supported renewal, noting the conference center is jointly owned 50-50 with City of Franklin and was built for economic development
• Participant 5 explained the company needs contract extension for banking/credit purposes
• Motion failed with 4 nays, will proceed to full commission meeting for final vote. Lisa Hayes, Greg Sandford, Sean Aiello and Bill Petty voted no; Paul Webb voted yes.
• This would be the final 10-year extension allowed under state law's 40-year maximum

Next Week

Tuesday September 2nd

Budget Committee meets at 4:30 in executive conference room, Williamson County Administrative Complex 1320 West Main Street Franklin Resolutions Transfers

Tuesday September 2nd

Parks and recreation meets at 5:30 in executive conference room, Williamson County Administrative Complex 1320 West Main Street FranklinResolution Resolution

Wednesday September 3rd

Highway Commission meets at 8:30 a.m in Williamson County Highway Facility 302 Beasley Drive, Franklin, TN 37064 Wednesday April 2, 2025 Agenda

Thursday September 4th

Public health meets at 5:30 pm in executive conference room, Williamson County Administrative Complex 1320 West Main Street Franklin Resolution

Board of Mayor and Aldermen

For everything next week, go here

Tuesday August 26th

BOMA Work Session Agenda Video

AI Summary

Action Items

• [ ] Participant 8 - Provide impact fee overlay analysis for fiscal year 2025 Overlay the new impact fees on the fees that came in for fiscal year 2025 to show what the difference would be between the old and new fee structures, as requested by Alderman Barnhill during the development activity report discussion.

Overview

• City issued 577 building permits and 2,725 trade permits in first six months of 2025, tracking well with historical trends
• Conference center operating agreement extended 10 years through October 2037 with Chartwell Hospitality maintaining positive cash flow 23 out of 26 years
• City hall redevelopment project tracking ahead of schedule with $7 million reduction in cost estimates and zero water table issues during excavation
• Liberty Hills Pond stream restoration project awarded to Civil Constructors for $2.4 million with $1.3 million in state grant funding
• State Route 96 access control improvements approved for $753,190 to address the city's most dangerous intersection
• Infrastructure Development Districts policy framework presented with significant board concerns about overly restrictive requirements for public benefits, transparency, and assessment caps

Quarterly development activity report

• City issued 577 building permits, 2,725 trade permits, and 201 fire permits in first six months of 2025
• Permit fees collected $1.4 million, road impact fees $3.7 million, water impact fees $865,000, sewer impact fees $2.5 million, and facilities tax $1.1 million
• Housing permits included 156 single family units, 8 townhomes, and 211 multifamily units (mostly from West Haven active adult community)
• Construction values reached $151 million residential and $376 million non-residential for total of $528 million
• Fiscal year 2025 ended with 1,223 building permits and construction valuation of $884.5 million (up 2.6% from previous year)
• Notable commercial permits included In-N-Out Burger headquarters and Williamson County Innovation Hub
• Staff established development process focus group and working on real-time customer satisfaction surveys with 1-5 star rating system

Conference center operating agreement extension

• City and Williamson County extending Chartwell Hospitality's operating agreement 10 years through October 2037
• Conference center achieved positive returns 23 out of 26 years since 1999 opening, with only 3 loss years during Great Recession, COVID, and one other economic downturn
• Chartwell completing renovation this month after temporary closure
• Agreement includes 5-year midpoint review and doesn't preclude future expansion discussions
• Williamson County Commission considering approval September 8th, city vote scheduled September 9th

City hall redevelopment project update

• Project tracking ahead of schedule with pier drilling currently underway
• Excavation completed successfully with only $6,000 contingency used for small void (originally budgeted much higher)
• Zero water table issues encountered during 14-foot deep pier drilling
• First two early release packages came in $3.2 million under estimate at $27.5 million (estimated $30.7 million)
• Total project forecast reduced to $92.5 million with $7 million reduction on low end estimate
• Value engineering achieved $7.4 million in savings over past months including windows, roofing, and curb modifications
• Project includes streetscape improvements on both sides of 3rd Avenue within city right-of-way

Liberty Hills pond stream restoration project

• Civil Constructors awarded contract for $2,376,791 to convert pond back to stream
• State grant through American Rescue Plan Act providing $1,333,333 in funding
• Project must be completed within 12 months due to ARPA timeline requirements
• Pre-construction meeting scheduled for next week to begin work immediately

State Route 96 access control improvements

• Nickel Company awarded $753,190 contract for median installation and access control improvements
• Project includes converting shoulders to through lanes and turn lanes east of I-65 to increase capacity
• Construction timeline is 4 months with completion targeted by December (potentially November)
• Work will be performed at nighttime except for Royal Oaks modifications near Aldi
• Original median-only project estimated around $80,000 but expanded scope added approximately $375,000 for additional improvements
• Alderman Barnhill opposed project as "throwaway" preferring less expensive delineator option

Real estate infrastructure redevelopment districts policy framework

• Staff presented comprehensive IDD policy requiring developments meet 4 categories of public benefits including extraordinary community development, enhanced public services, attainable housing, and redevelopment criteria
• Public benefit requirements include 1% of funded district value for transportation improvements, infrastructure contributions, and historic preservation when applicable
• Enhanced services require 2 or more criteria including 5% land dedication for public use, 20% additional open space, 4-minute emergency response access, and 50% offset of city maintenance costs
• Attainable housing component requires 10% of units deed-restricted for households earning 50-150% of area median income
• Assessment cap example showed 5 times city tax rate resulting in $3,700 annual assessment for $1 million home
• Multiple board members criticized policy as overly restrictive and cumbersome, preferring market-driven approach
• Transparency requirements include full disclosure to buyers, publicly accessible website, and standardized resale documentation

IDD public benefit requirements discussion

• Board members expressed concerns that 5 of 5 required criteria in extraordinary benefits category too restrictive
• Alderman Berger suggested policy "way overdone" and "way too restrictive"
• Alderman Brown argued for broader eligibility criteria allowing board discretion rather than rigid checklist
• Staff emphasized need for measurable public benefit in exchange for providing financing tool to developers
• Public speakers from development community requested less restrictive approach and market-driven solutions

IDD transparency and disclosure requirements

• Policy requires full written disclosure to buyers minimum 3 business days before closing
• Assessment administrator must maintain publicly accessible website with governing documents, budgets, audits, and assessment information
• Developers must provide plain language summaries of planned infrastructure, timelines, and responsibilities
• Board generally supportive of transparency requirements with emphasis on protecting buyers from uninformed decisions

IDD assessment caps and market considerations

• Staff presented 5 times city tax rate cap example resulting in total tax bills nearly double normal property taxes
• Multiple board members opposed artificial caps, preferring market forces and state's 2-to-1 value-to-lien ratio requirement
• Alderman Peterson concerned about homeowners paying "twice as much" in taxes for 30-year maximum assessment period
• Development community representatives emphasized market will naturally limit assessments to maintain competitiveness
• Board requested further analysis of cap implications and alternatives to proposed structure

Tuesday August 26th

BOMA Board Meeting Agenda Video

AI Summary

Action Items

• [ ] Eric Stuckey - Present tax relief program analysis at next work session Provide detailed comparison between tax relief program and tax freeze program options for qualifying seniors, veterans, disabled veterans, and widows, including implementation timeline and relative impact analysis for approximately 300 participants in Franklin

Overview

• Eric Stuckey announced Walter Denton as the new Assistant City Administrator for Community and Economic Development, starting October 13th, replacing Vernon Moore who retires at year-end after 18+ years of service
• Board approved budget amendment totaling $2,204,898 in changes, including $2.635 million in wage increases (2.5% COLA plus merit increases) and property tax rate correction to 29.6 cents per $100 assessed value
• Alderman Brown requested staff review county-style tax relief program for qualifying seniors, veterans, and disabled veterans (estimated 300 participants in Franklin)
• Board approved multiple infrastructure contracts including $2,376,791 for Liberty Hills Pine Stream Restoration and $753,190 for State Route 96 improvements
• Alexandria and Ariana Ford sisters recognized as newly crowned Miss Tennessee Teen 2025 and Miss Tennessee 2025, competing at National American Miss pageant in Orlando in November

Staff appointment announcement

• Eric Stuckey announced Walter Denton as new Assistant City Administrator for Community and Economic Development
• Denton currently serves as city administrator in O'Fallon, Illinois for 23 years
• Selection made from 130+ applicants nationwide, including international candidates
• Denton starts October 13th
• Vernon Moore retiring at year-end after 18+ years of service to the city
• Overlap period planned for transition between Vernon and Walter

Community events and preservation plan

• Preservation plan community meeting scheduled for August 27th from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Eastern Flank Battlefield Event Center
• Current conditions assessment of preservation assets released earlier this month
• Public can provide input at franklinpreservationplan.com
• Fire Station 6 open house scheduled September 6th from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM with Tower 6 apparatus dedication and 9/11 commemoration
• Traditional 9/11 recognition continues September 11th at 8:00 AM at police headquarters

Ford sisters pageant recognition

• Alexandria Ford crowned Miss Tennessee Teen 2025—graduated early with honors, advocates for students with learning disabilities through "Redefining Dyslexia" platform
• Alexandria founded Lexi's Little Library for childhood literacy, is student pilot and Formula 4 race car driver
• Ariana Ford crowned Miss Tennessee 2025—fashion designer, entrepreneur, advocates for scoliosis awareness through "Always Smiling" platform
• Ariana runs A Squared Boutique and upcoming A Squared Formals business
• Both sisters competing at National American Miss pageant in Orlando, Florida in November

Budget amendment public hearing

• Michael Walters Young presented Ordinance 2025-28 with $2,204,898 total budgeted activity changes
• General fund shows net change of $0 but includes $2.635 million wage increase redistribution (2.5% COLA plus 0.5% to 2.5% merit increases effective first July paycheck)
• Property tax rate corrected from proposed $0.32 to approved 29.6 cents per $100 assessed value, reducing capital transfer by $2,498,453
• Sanitation Environmental Services increased $800,644 for wage increases ($352,000) and two automated side loaders ($800,000)
• Hotel Motel Fund increased $2,095,000 for vehicle barrier system ($70,000) and Creekside home purchase ($2,025,000)
• Board approved amendment unanimously

Tax relief program discussion

• Alderman Brown requested staff review county's double-match tax relief program for qualifying seniors, veterans, disabled veterans, and widows
• Program would benefit approximately 300 Franklin participants
• Eric Stuckey noted relief program more efficient than tax freeze, could be implemented this year versus freeze requiring another cycle
• Current relief program eliminates sanitation fees for eligible residents
• Staff will present comparison at next work session before tax bills go out
• Alderman Baggett noted city has maintained budget surpluses for 17 consecutive years, including $14,000 surplus even during COVID fiscal 2020

Parks fee ordinance approval

• Board approved Ordinance 2025-23 amending Municipal Code Chapter 25 Parks
• Ordinance establishes rate fees for newly established parks or facilities within Franklin park system
• Passed unanimously

Infrastructure contract approvals

• Board approved Civil Constructors contract for Liberty Hills Pine Stream Restoration project at $2,376,791 with $150,000 contingency
• Approved Nickel Company LLC contract for State Route 96 Murfreesboro Road access control improvements and Royal Oaks project at $753,190
• Approved Pro Spikes contract for City Hall block redevelopment project retainage portfolio access
• Approved Ulliance Inc. contract for Life Advisor Employee Assistance Program
• Approved Erickson's Living Properties LLC developer reimbursement agreement for $65,851 sanitary sewer interceptor expenses

Interlocal agreement with county

• Board approved interlocal agreement with Williamson County for mutual assistance to county's solid waste department during adverse conditions
• Alderman Caesar praised collaboration between city and county leadership as model for other communities
• Agreement demonstrates municipalities working together during times of stress
• Passed unanimously

For everything else next week, go here

Thursday August 28

City of Franklin FMPC and BOMA Joint Conceptual Workshop Agenda Video

AI Summary

• Staff presented three proposed height amendments for 926 Columbia Avenue development but recommended against two of the three requests, citing inadequate justification for transition to adjacent neighborhoods
• Mike Hathaway from 906 Studio Architects presented plans for mixed-use development including three-story retail building on Columbia Avenue, four-story hotel interior to site, and three-story townhomes on Plaza Street
• Multiple commissioners raised concerns about four-story hotel visibility from residential areas and three-story building setback from Columbia Avenue being too close to street
• Site features significant topographical challenges with 22-foot grade drop from southeast to northwest corner and 10-foot drop along Columbia Avenue
• Commissioners emphasized need to respect historic Natchez district and provide appropriate transition to surrounding neighborhoods

Staff presentation and height amendment concerns

• Staff presented three proposed amendments to existing special consideration for 926 Columbia Avenue
• Staff recommended against height increases along Columbia Avenue from two to three stories and interior site from three to four stories
• Staff supported Plaza Street height amendment to three stories to align with neighborhood mixed use standards
• Staff raised concerns about 29 feet 10 inches first floor height on north side of Columbia Avenue building, creating 53-foot total height for three-story structure

Development proposal overview

• Mike Hathaway presented plans for H.G. Hill master development with Doordas Partners for hotel and Horry Smith for residential components
• Development includes underground parking level beneath Columbia Avenue retail building
• Project creates internal street connection between Plaza and Folks streets with on-street parking and street lighting
• Development designed as neighborhood mixed use with retail ground floor and stacked flats/townhomes above

Three height increase requests

• Columbia Avenue mixed-use building height increase from two to three stories
• Interior hotel height increase from three to four stories
• Plaza Street townhomes height increase from two to three stories (staff supported this request)
• Proposed hotel would be four stories facing internal street with townhomes providing screening from exterior streets

Site topography and grade challenges

• Site features 22-foot elevation drop from southeast to northwest corner
• 10-foot grade drop along Columbia Avenue from south to north side
• Townhomes on Folks Street designed as two-story facing street with three-story rear due to grade change
• Underground parking takes advantage of natural slope beneath Columbia Avenue building

Neighborhood transition and compatibility

• Commissioner Allen raised concerns about impact on Franklin Housing Authority residents on Short Court and Acton Street
• Commissioner Caesar emphasized need to respect historic Natchez district and create appropriate gateway
• Multiple commissioners questioned appropriateness of four-story hotel height relative to surrounding single-story residential
• Commissioners noted need for transition stepping down from downtown area

Building setbacks from Columbia Avenue

• Commissioner Orr requested additional setback relief from Columbia Avenue beyond current proposal
• Mike Hathaway confirmed four-foot planters and ten-foot sidewalk width along Columbia Avenue
• Multiple commissioners compared proposal to nearby First Bank building, noting it was built too close to street
• Commissioners suggested third-story setback similar to Margin district development for better street proportion

Four-story hotel placement and design

• Hotel positioned interior to site facing internal street connection between Plaza and Folks
• Commissioners requested renderings from residential backside perspective to assess visual impact
• Commissioner Williamson noted hotel would be visible from single-story residential areas behind development
• Mike Hathaway explained townhomes and roof slopes would provide screening from exterior streets

Historic Natchez district considerations

• Commissioner Caesar emphasized site's role as gateway to National Registry historic district
• Commissioner Allen noted surrounding African American neighborhoods established after Civil War
• Mike Hathaway confirmed front corner area reserved for civil rights walk entrance and storytelling
• Development team committed to working with commissioners to appropriately honor district's history

Thursday August 28

City of Franklin Planning Commission Agenda Video

AI Summary

Action Items

• [ ] Participant 1 - Respond about urban plan workshop attendance Let staff know if able to attend the urban plan workshop on October 1st from 8am to noon at Eastern Flank by responding to Emily's email or contacting any staff member
• [ ] Participant 2 - Respond about urban plan workshop attendance Let staff know if able to attend the urban plan workshop on October 1st from 8am to noon at Eastern Flank by responding to Emily's email or contacting any staff member
• [ ] Participant 4 - Respond about urban plan workshop attendance Let staff know if able to attend the urban plan workshop on October 1st from 8am to noon at Eastern Flank by responding to Emily's email or contacting any staff member
• [ ] Participant 5 - Respond about urban plan workshop attendance Let staff know if able to attend the urban plan workshop on October 1st from 8am to noon at Eastern Flank by responding to Emily's email or contacting any staff member
• [ ] Participant 3 - Respond about urban plan workshop attendance Let staff know if able to attend the urban plan workshop on October 1st from 8am to noon at Eastern Flank by responding to Emily's email or contacting any staff member

Overview

• Commission approved calling surety bonds for two subdivisions: $1,625 from Andover Park PUD's $3,250 bond and full $2,500 from Lakeview Commercial Park due to incomplete green infrastructure improvements
• Commission rejected staff's proposed change to reduce floodplain substantial damage timeframe from 5 years to 1 year, keeping current 5-year standard until state model ordinance is updated
• Annual zoning ordinance amendments approved including new sign regulations, performance bond options, and property rezonings to civic institutional and historic overlay districts
• Commissioner training opportunities announced: urban plan workshop October 1st from 8am to noon at Eastern Flank, and Tennessee Planning Association conference October 20-22

Andover Park PUD surety bond default

• Commission declared Andover Park PUD subdivision performance agreement in default for incomplete green infrastructure improvements
• Approved releasing 50% of $3,250 cash performance surety ($1,625) to developer Tennessee Valley Homes
• Remaining $1,625 will be deposited into city stormwater fund for Liberty Hills Pond restoration project
• Vern explained the 5 homes were built in 2015 but green infrastructure was never completed despite 75% reduction in required improvements in 2016
• Commissioner Mann praised staff's diligence in following up on surety bonds to ensure approved landscaping and infrastructure gets installed

Lakeview Commercial Park surety bond default

• Commission declared Lakeview Commercial Park Subdivision Site Plan Lot 20 performance agreement in default
• Approved calling full $2,500 maintenance agreement surety due to ongoing green infrastructure deficiencies
• Original performance bond was $11,000 when signed June 5, 2020, reduced to $2,500 in May 2021
• Developer Dan Brazel with Master Plans LLC failed to respond to staff's May 16, 2025 notice giving 3 months to correct deficiencies
• Annual inspections since 2021 consistently found deficiencies preventing release of maintenance agreement

Annual zoning ordinance text amendments

• Commission approved comprehensive zoning ordinance updates with January 1, 2026 effective date
• Sign regulation changes include allowing halo illumination, canopy signs above canopies, irregular shapes for projecting signs, and residential flag exemptions
• New flag provisions allow unlimited quantity and placement of flags up to 40 square feet for 90 days per calendar year in residential districts
• Added wrecker service as permitted use in light industrial district (previously only allowed in heavy industrial)
• Performance bonds now accepted as surety option alongside letters of credit and cashier's checks
• Street light standards updated to prefer 4 specific Middle Tennessee Electric options that reduce light pollution
• State law changes allow staff to make initial interpretations on zoning boundary disputes instead of requiring Board of Zoning Appeals review

Floodplain substantial damage timeframe

• Commission rejected proposed change from 5-year to 1-year cumulative timeframe for substantial improvement and substantial damage determinations
• Shannon McCoy explained substantial damage/improvement occurs when 50% of structure value is reached through improvements or damage over the timeframe
• Staff recommended keeping 5-year timeframe until Tennessee updates model ordinance within next 1-2 years
• Commissioner Allen strongly opposed 1-year timeframe as placing undue burden on flood victims
• Participant 1 provided detailed explanation of how shorter timeframes allow property values to increase without flood compliance requirements
• Change would not impact city's Class 8 Community Rating System status providing 10% flood insurance discounts

Property rezonings to civic institutional and historic overlay

• Commission approved rezoning triangular city-owned property near Mac Hatcher Parkway to Historic Preservation Overlay District
• Approved rezoning Creekside House to Civic Institutional District to match surrounding Future Park zoning
• Approved dual zoning of Hillhaven Lane property (transferring from Franklin's Charge to city) to both Civic Institutional and Historic Preservation Overlay for future Roper's Knob trailhead
• Historic Zoning Commission previously recommended all three rezoning requests
• Timeline: Board of Mayor and Aldermen work session in September, first reading through third reading by end of November

Commissioner training opportunities

• Urban plan workshop scheduled October 1st from 8am to noon at Eastern Flank facility
• Workshop provides 4 hours of required annual training credits through interactive development review simulation with mock city council
• Tennessee Chapter American Planning Association conference October 20-22 in Franklin offers additional 4-hour training for planning commissioners and BZA members
• Emily requested commissioners respond about workshop attendance and offered to discuss full conference participation within budget constraints

Thursday August 28

City of Franklin Capital Investment Committee (CIC) Agenda Video

AI Summary

Action Items

• [ ] Paul - Review Carothers Parkway turn lane configuration with traffic engineers Re-engage with traffic engineers to evaluate adding turn arrow signage to the second right lane at Carothers Parkway and Highway 96 intersection as part of the 96 resurfacing project to improve traffic flow for vehicles turning right and going straight

Overview

• Committee approved 5 ordinances and resolutions including stormwater management updates, no parking zones, and property surplus declarations
• Paul reported strong progress on McEwen and Robinson Lake projects with blasting scheduled in 2 days and lake dredging nearly complete
• Ned Dannenberg raised safety concerns about Royal Oaks corridor on Highway 96, requesting sidewalk improvements beyond current striping project
• Committee approved $1,659,193 road impact agreement amendment with Ford Coletta LLC for increased unit count
• Lewisburg Pike sidewalk project moving to bid phase after CSX contract approval, with 2-phase construction plan to minimize road closures

Royal Oaks safety improvements

• Ned Dannenberg requested sidewalk improvements along Highway 96 between I-65 and Carothers Parkway
• Ned highlighted safety concerns in high injury corridor with gas stations, medical center, and restaurants where pedestrians need access
• Current striping project converts shoulders to car lanes but eliminates walking/biking space
• Max Baker from Engineering's Multimodal is developing cost estimates for sidewalk gaps
• Ned noted existing sidewalk at Walgreens connects to nothing, and sidewalk disappears near Steak 'n Shake and O'Reilly's
• Drainage issues in front of Steak 'n Shake may drive costs beyond typical sidewalk gap fund capacity

Stormwater ordinance amendments

• Paul explained main revision requires permittees to remain under stop work order until civil penalties are paid
• Previous system allowed developers to avoid paying penalties through legal delays while continuing work
• Paul cited examples of developers discharging stormwater onto residential lots for months without paying penalties
• Ordinance includes minor corrections for typos and grammatical errors
• Jeff Willoughby, Stormwater manager, attended for technical questions
• Committee approved 4-0

Alpha Drive no parking zone

• Paul reported body shop on Alpha Drive stacking vehicles on street, causing complaints from other businesses
• Daniel Brady from street department helped secure petition from majority of property owners (body shop did not sign)
• No parking zone applies to south side only from Beta Drive east to cul-de-sac
• North side parking remains allowed
• Body shop vehicles currently park at 90-degree angles in cul-de-sac, preventing fire truck access
• Smyrna Ready Mix and other businesses with large trucks struggle with current parking situation
• Committee approved 4-0

Stream Valley easement abandonment

• Committee approved abandoning pedestrian access easement between Lots 282 and 283 in Stream Valley PUD Section 9
• HOA, developer, and both property owners agreed to abandon easement
• Developer has no plans to construct the access and it was not required for development
• Easement originally intended for trail system connection but serves no current purpose
• Committee approved 4-0

Corporate Center Drive surplus property

• Committee approved declaring Corporate Center Drive cul-de-sac as surplus property north of Cool Springs Boulevard
• Business owners want to remove confusing cul-de-sac and create private T-intersection
• Road will become privately maintained by business association, similar to Compassway
• All businesses including Hilton agreed to arrangement
• Public utility drainage access easement will be maintained through planning process
• Road will remain ungated due to hotel and restaurant access needs
• Committee approved 4-0

Ford Coletta road impact agreement

• Committee approved amendment changing agreement from Colletta Park Subdivision LLC to Ford Colletta LLC
• Agreement amount revised to $1,659,193 due to increased unit count
• Covers road impact offset for improvements to Old South Carothers Road
• Committee approved 4-0

Lewisburg Pike sidewalk CSX contract

• Paul reported final step before bidding for sidewalk gap from Collins Farm to north of Stewart Street
• Contract covers CSX preliminary engineering costs, flagging operations during construction, and construction engineering inspection
• All right-of-way has been acquired for the project
• Construction planned in 2 phases: north of Stuart Street first, then CSX crossing section
• CSX crossing work requires jacking and boring multiple utilities under railroad tracks and full road closure
• Overhead electric lines currently being relocated (not underground) with co-location reducing pole count
• Committee approved 4-0

Mac Hatcher trail TDOT agreement

• Committee approved contract for multi-use trail gap between Hillsborough Road and Franklin Road
• City submitted TAP grant application 1 year ago but hasn't received results yet
• Agreement shows 100% city funding initially, with hope for TAP funding within 2-3 years
• Trail will be on south side inside Mac Hatcher Parkway
• Project will connect existing trail systems at wastewater treatment facility and continue west over Harpeth River
• Paul noted weekly requests about this connection from cyclists and trail users
• Committee approved 4-0

Capital projects status

• McEwen project progressing well with Vulcan doing outstanding work
• Blasting scheduled for next 2 days with pre-blast surveys completed and zero complaints received
• Mill and row to roundabout closed with gas line installation in progress
• Robinson Lake dredging almost complete with large amounts of material being moved
• Southeast park (Pearl and Bransford complex) slow start but equipment now on site moving dirt
• Columbia Avenue right-of-way acquisition progressing with 1-2 tracts settled and some moving to condemnation

Carothers Parkway traffic signals

• Alderman Berger requested traffic signal improvements at Carothers Parkway and Highway 96 intersection
• Current configuration has one right turn lane and one straight-through lane in rightmost 2 lanes
• Berger requested second lane allow both right turn and straight-through options
• Issue particularly affects evening traffic from Nissan and other businesses heading south to interstate
• Paul agreed to review with traffic engineers for upcoming Highway 96 resurfacing project
• Lewisburg and Donaldson Creek stoplight moving forward with overhead utilities being raised and equipment ordered

Election Commission

No meetings this week or next week

If not me, who?

If not now, when?

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (Heb. 11:1)

“We work hard with our own hands. When we are vilified, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; when we are slandered, we answer gently.” (1^st Corinthians 4:12-13)

Blessings,

Bill

pettyandassociates@gmail.com

Community resources

If you like Friday Recap, check out these other grassroots conservative projects!

• Williamson County Citizens Provides free tools and information to help grassroots conservatives exercise their citizenship here in Williamson County.
• Tennessee Voters for Election Integrity is helping restore confidence in Tennessee Elections.
• TruthWire Local news and commentary.
• Williamson County Republican Party is one of the most active parties in the state and captures the conservative heart of Tennessee.
• Mom's For Liberty Williamson County is dedicated to fighting for the American family by unifying, educating and empowering parents to defend their parental rights at all levels of government.
• Tennessee Stands produces video media, podcasts, and live events, and provides social commentary on relevant issues in our state.
• M4LU is a new site developed by the national Mom's for Liberty but generated right here in Williamson County. The mission of M4LU is to to inform, equip, and empower parents with knowledge, understanding and practical tools.
• WCSB Substack. This site reports on the Williamson County School Board meetings. It provides accurate summaries of all WCSB meetings.

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