Friday Recap February 27th, 2025

My Comment

I was present at the Franklin BOMA meeting on Tuesday the 24th and gave a defense of Resolution 2-26-20 that passed with a 2/3rds majority at the last County Commission Meeting. The municipalities in the county have all reacted strongly against it, and you can watch the BOMA meeting below. If you would like to read what I said, go here.

My Campaign

I am running for a second term as commissioner for District 10. You can go to Votebillpetty.com to get to my website. There are going to be over 40 people running for office in the primary on May 5th. Each district has two commissioners and District 10 has five people running. I will need all the support I can get. If you want to help, please go to my website and donate and/or get involved.

Final Candidates for the May 5th primary

Candidates running for county office in the May 5 primary.

Candidates for August 6th primary*

Candidates running for state and federal office office in the August 6th primary. Filing deadline is noon March 10th.

*This is a correction from earlier reports where I had the primary listed for May 5th.

If you don't know who is running for office in your district or where and when to vote, you can go to Grassrootscitizens.com

Also, there is an interview with me by grassrootscitizens here

Meetings this past week were:

BOMA Work Session BOMA Meeting Property Committee

Meetings next week:

Monday, March 2nd

WCS 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

Joint meeting of the CountyBudget and Education Committees will meet at 4:30 pm in the Executive Conference Room of the Williamson County Administrative Complex at 1320 W. main, Franklin Agenda

Tuesday, March 3rd

The Parks and Rec. Committee will meet at 5:30 pm in the Executive Conference Room of the Williamson County Administrative Complex at 1320 W. main, Franklin Agenda

Wednesday, March 4th

Highway Commission will meet at 8:30 AM - 9:00 AM at 302 Beasley Dr. Franklin Agenda

Election Commission will meet at 4:00pm at 405 Downs Blvd, Franklin Agenda

Thursday, March 5th

The Public Health Committee will meet at 5:30 pm in the Executive Conference Room of the Williamson County Administrative Complex at 1320 W. main, FranklinAgenda

Friday, March 6th

SSDS Task Force will meet at 9:00 am in the Executive Conference Room of the Williamson County Administrative Complex at 1320 W. main, Franklin

For all Franklin City meetings, go here

Property taxes for Williamson County

The county tax rate is $1.30 per $100 of assessed value. There are four variations of our County tax rates that I show below in my spreadsheets. City taxes are in addition to these rates and you can see that on your tax notice.

Since the average price of a home in Williamson County is $1,000,000, all calculations below are based on the appraised value of $1,000,000

Franklin, Spring Hill $1.27 You will notice that Solid Waste is zero and that is because both municipalities handle their own solid waste.

Franklin+FSSD $1.18 county+ $.5873(Franklin Special School District). Not all of Franklin is in the FSSD District, but much of it is. You will notice that both solid waste and Rural Debt, which is the debt on schools K-8, are zero, and are replaced by FSSD. The $1.18 number is derived by subtracting Solid Waste $.03 and Rural Debt $.09 from the county tax of $1.30.

County unincorporated areas and Brentwood, Fairview, Thompson's Station and Nolensville $1.30

County unincorporated area+ FSSD County $1.21+FSSD $.5873

If you want to check my calculations, go here for the county's published tax rates.

2025-26 county budget

If you are interested in going deeper into the county budget, you can go here. Since we are in budget season, I plan on writing a number of reports on the budget process as each department is considered.

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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 Board

There were no meetings this past week

Williamson County Commission Meetings

Wednesday, February 25th The Property Committee Agenda/packet additional resolution Hill property appraisal Video Committee members: Ricky Jones (C), Barb Sturgeon (VC), Brian Clifford, Jennifer Mason, Matt Williams. Commissioner Williams was absent.

AI Summary

Action Items

• [ ] Property Committee Chair - Explain no-action vote at commission meeting Explain to the full county commission why the property committee took no action on resolution 3-26-1 (bond resolution for Hills property).

Overview

• Committee took no action on $17,850,000 bond for Hills property courthouse site—members want more analysis of alternative locations and building costs before proceeding
• Courthouse task force established and expanded to 16 members (from proposed 12), adding clerk and master, public defender, district attorney, and county building department representative to evaluate judicial facilities needs
• Committee developed community covenants list for potential hospital sale including employee retention, ambulance services, trauma center status, and inmate care provisions
• RFP resolution for independent consulting firm on hospital transaction tied 2-2—debate centered on whether current legal team already provides needed financial and strategic expertise
• Juvenile Justice Center building code overrule passed 3-0-1 to address four Franklin code conflicts including parking and architectural requirements

Citizen comment on hospital sale concerns

• Dana Frick raised concerns about potential hospital sale impacts on cost of care, staffing culture, and insurance contracting
• Compared TriStar Southern Hills ER costs ($205-$252) to Williamson Medical ER level 4 costs ($264)—noted TriStar charges 57% higher overall
• Highlighted patient satisfaction differences: Williamson Medical 4 out of 5 stars versus TriStar Southern Hills 2 out of 5 stars
• Questioned timing given Tennessee Health Facilities Commission studying CON reform impacts through 2030
• Expressed support for county getting independent counsel to evaluate transaction

Bond issuance for Hills property courthouse site

• Resolution 3261 authorizes issuance of up to $17,850,000 in general obligation bonds for Hills property purchase
• Property appraisal came back at $23,000,500 with price per square foot of $70 (comparables in appraisal ranged from $73 to $120 per square foot)
• Committee members raised concerns about lack of analysis comparing Hills property to other potential courthouse locations
• City of Franklin previously advocated against using this property for courthouse
• Committee took no action—members want to see courthouse task force analysis, building cost projections, and evaluation of alternative sites before proceeding
• Downtown association survey results mentioned but not yet received

Courthouse task force establishment

• Resolution 3262 passed unanimously as amended to establish task force analyzing future judicial facilities needs
• Task force expanded from proposed 12 members to 16 members through amendment
• Added members: clerk and master, public defender, district attorney, and county building department representative
• Retained City of Franklin representatives (alderman and city administrator) despite initial motion to remove them
• Task force will include 4 commissioners with chair and vice chair required to be commissioners
• Committee designed to pick up where July 2020 Triple J 172-page report left off
• Task force must generate final report by September with recommendations to full commission
• Will evaluate potential courthouse relocation, renovation of existing facility, and projected 20-year growth needs
• All task force members can send representatives and meetings subject to Open Meetings Act

Alcohol sales permit for annual rodeo

• Resolution 3263 approved unanimously permitting temporary alcohol sales at Agriculture Exposition Park for annual rotary rodeo
• Identical to last year's resolution with no changes
• Sheriff reported no problems from previous year's beer sales in arena
• Revenue from event supports hundreds of thousands of dollars in donations to local nonprofits

Columbia Avenue property purchase

• Resolution 3266 authorizing purchase of property at 926 Columbia Avenue in Franklin received no action
• Committee moved on without motion or second

Juvenile Justice Center building code overrule

• Resolution 3267 passed 3-0-1 (one abstention) to overrule City of Franklin Planning and Sustainability Department denial
• Four code conflicts identified: front parking limited to one row (design has two rows), side parking extending forward of building corner, visual grounding of building, and architectural details
• Jim Cross and team complied with most of Franklin's requirements—these four items deemed worth overruling
• Commissioner abstained citing lack of detailed information about specific design elements
• Jim Cross expected to provide detailed explanations at full commission meeting

Independent consulting firm RFP for hospital transaction

• Resolution 3263 (formerly tabled resolution with modifications) tied 2-2 after removing three "whereas" clauses about conflicts of interest
• Debate centered on whether Foley and Lardner legal team already provides consulting services being requested
• Ally McNamara confirmed firm's deal team includes specialists in bond counsel, M&A, regulatory, real estate, and valuations
• Deal team provides financial analysis, fairness opinions, deal structure advice, taxpayer risk assessment, and long-term impact analysis
• Commissioners disagreed on whether separate consultant needed beyond $900/hour legal team (though rates vary by team member level)
• Question raised about whether nonprofit buyer would result in no sale proceeds to county
• Resolution may face procedural challenge at full commission as potentially "substantially the same" as previously tabled resolution

Community covenants for potential hospital sale

• Committee developed list of covenant requirements for any hospital transaction:
• Retain "Williamson" in hospital name (preferably Williamson Medical Center)
• Continue subsidized inmate care at current rates or better with sheriff's department coordination
• Maintain SANE (sexual assault) nurse on every shift or on-call
• Provide ambulance service at county athletic events at no cost including athletic trainers and doctors
• Maintain current ambulance service structure with county contributing at least current percentage (approximately 70/30 split)
• Preserve level 3 trauma center accreditation and current service capabilities
• Implement 6-month employee retention period for existing staff
• Explore partnership to build and operate medical and dental clinic inside jail (similar to Davidson County model saving deputy transport costs)
• Provide registered nurse for every Williamson County Schools public school building
• Conduct population health management study to identify needed specialty services (cardiac care, cancer treatment, etc.)
• Maintain all existing satellite facilities and community services
• Committee discussed need for oversight mechanism to enforce covenants—options include oversight panel with commissioner representation, physicians, clinicians, and county public health director Cathy Montgomery

Board of Mayor and Aldermen

Tuesday, February 24th

BOMA Work Session Agenda/Packet Video

AI Summary

Action Items

• [ ] Lisa - Organize on-site resident meetings for Carter Hill expansion Set up on-site meetings with residents about Carter Hill Park expansion and Straw Street repurposing. Include presentations at multiple locations including Reddit Senior residence to accommodate residents who cannot walk to other sites. Notify board members when meetings are scheduled.

Overview

• City presented $458,000,000 ten-year Capital Investment Plan with 70% cash funding and only 30% debt, demonstrating fiscally conservative approach
• Development activity in 2025: 798 new dwelling units permitted and $865,200,000 total construction value—second highest in the last decade
• Vice Mayor Baggett proposed resolution opposing Williamson County Commission's urban growth boundary resolution, will modify title to emphasize collaborative approach when voted on
• McEwen Ford project received additional $1,500,000 in cap funding and is progressing well with Vulcan Materials
• Civil War Historical Commission installed 8 of 22 defensive line markers, with remaining markers to be ordered by June 30, 2026
• Carter Hill Park expansion plan presented—city will repurpose portion of Straw Street after acquiring both sides by June 2026
• Multiple major road projects entering construction phase in 2026, including Lewisburg Sidewalk, Franklin Road bridge replacement, and State Route 96 bridge

Civil War Historic Commission annual report

• Emily, Elizabeth, and Tony presented the commission's annual report with strong member turnout
• Commission meets six times per year on the second Thursday of every other month at 8:00 AM at Eastern Flank event facility
• Historic wayfinding plan completed with red signs installed throughout the city in late 2024 and early 2025
• Defensive line markers documenting the November 30, 1864 Battle of Franklin:
  • Installed 8 of 22 markers so far at locations along the defensive line
  • Remaining 14 markers will be ordered by end of fiscal year (June 30, 2026) and installed by end of calendar year
• Historic Parks Audio Tour expansion is 85% complete:
  • 26 stops with 28 signs total across multiple sites
  • New online platform with QR codes replacing dial-by-cell system
  • Signs tested for scanning distance and accessibility
• Preservation plan update combines 2001 preservation plan and 2004 Civil War battlefield preservation plan
• Caesar requested celebration events when remaining markers are installed to raise awareness
• Burger confirmed visitor center will have audio tour information available with rack cards featuring new platform

Carter Hill Park expansion and Straw Street repurposing

• Lisa presented joint master plan for Carter Hill Park expansion created with Battle of Franklin Trust
• City will own both sides of Straw Street by June 2026, allowing repurposing rather than abandonment of the roadway
• Plan converts asphalt roadway to turf or trail system, connecting multiple parcels into one large park
• Battle of Franklin Trust maintains the grounds while city handles capital improvements like fencing and amenities
• City will hold on-site community meetings for residents to review plans and provide feedback:
  • Square signage will display the master plan
  • Eric Jacobsen, CEO of Battle of Franklin Trust, will attend to explain vision
  • Additional meeting planned at Redditt Senior residence for residents who cannot walk to site
• Straw Street currently connects to Redditt Senior residence drive, eliminating need for dead-end turnaround
• Vice Mayor Baggett noted repurposing could reduce cut-through traffic and improve pedestrian connectivity while maintaining safer access points than current Straw/Columbia intersection
• Blanton asked about potential Cleburne to Granbury connection—Lisa confirmed engineering is studying options to realign intersection but would require significant utility work and resident coordination
• County owns and maintains Straw Park adjacent to the area

2025 development activity report

• Katherine presented comprehensive annual development activity report for calendar year 2025
• Plan review activity in 2025:
  • 4 Envision Franklin plan amendments approved
  • 12 rezonings approved
  • 2 annexations approved
  • 6 development plans approved
  • Total of 24 large-scope plans approved, consistent with 20-30 average over last five years
• Building permits issued in 2025:
  • 1,057 building permits
  • 5,022 trade permits (mechanical, electrical, plumbing)
  • 400 fire suppression permits
  • 179 other permits (pool, demolition, floodplain)
  • Total of 6,658 permits issued
• Permit and impact fees collected in 2025:
  • Permit fees: just under $2,500,000
  • Road impact fees: $6,300,000 (45% of total impact fees)
  • Sewer impact fees: $4,700,000 (34% of total)
  • Facilities tax: just under $2,000,000 (14% of total)
  • Water impact fees: just over $1,000,000 (7% of total—smallest because city doesn't serve entire community with water)
• New dwelling units permitted in 2025:
  • 239 single family units
  • 39 townhome units (unusually low—typically 100-150 per year)
  • 520 multifamily units
  • Total of 798 new dwelling units
• Construction values for 2025:
  • Residential: $278,900,000
  • Non-residential: $586,300,000
  • Total: $865,200,000—second highest total construction value in last decade
• Development Services Advisory Commission meets monthly on first Tuesday at 8:00 AM at Eastern Flank event facility
• Building and Street Standards Board of Appeals met only once in 2025
• Stormwater Board of Appeals met only once in 2025 for administrative meeting with no appeals to decide
• Development customer satisfaction surveys launched October 2025:
  • 33 responses received in first four months
  • Average rating of 4.67 stars out of 5
  • 12 comments received, with all but two overwhelmingly positive
  • Comments highlighted efficient process and helpful staff
• New road impact fee structure went live July 1, 2025—grandfathered projects showing 5% increase, but full impact won't be seen until 2027 when non-grandfathered projects reach permitting stage
• Staff developing comprehensive communication strategy on growth to educate public on city's efforts to manage high-quality growth while maintaining infrastructure investments
• Development maps dashboard in progress—will be presented at upcoming joint conceptual workshop
• Vice Mayor noted these are permitted units going vertical, not approvals—some could have been approved years ago
• Brown praised Development Services Advisory Commission for both refining the process and improving communication about the process
• Potts requested ward numbers be added as filter option in growth communication strategy dashboard

Water and sewer contract amendments

• Andrew presented amendment one to Hazen and Sawyer contract for cost of service study and dynamic rate analysis work performed in 2024 and early 2025
• Amendment covers additional financial analysis work with Fernando that evolved quickly—billing delayed to maintain project momentum
• NHC Optima contract for 2000 Aspen Way development addresses HVAC condensate line tied into sewer (municipal code violation)
• City worked with developer on solution: 9,500 gallons per month surcharge added to sewer bill to account for additional flow
• Surcharge is volumetric usage added on top of existing flow, not a flat fee
• Shauna's team coordinating with Jessica's billing and licensing team to incorporate surcharge onto monthly bill

County resolution on urban growth boundary

• Vice Mayor Baggett presented resolution opposing Williamson County Commission's proposed resolution on property regulation within urban growth boundary
• Spring Hill and Thompson Station (reviewing same evening) already passed similar resolutions, Brentwood will consider in early March 2026
• Resolution calls for county and municipalities to convene and collaborate on growth planning
• Baggett had two-hour meeting with Commissioner Petty on Friday, February 21, 2026 to discuss concerns and misunderstandings
• Mayor expressed concern about lack of communication from county commissioner who attended multiple city meetings without raising issues
• Mayor emphasized city has strong working relationship with Mayor Anderson and county staff, with regular joint meetings and projects
• Urban growth boundary took two years to develop with every city in county, resulting in interlocal agreements between each city and county
• Growth committee (original UGB committee) continues to meet with all cities represented, Mayor Anderson participating—had presentation from former TDOT Commissioner Paul Deggs
• Brown noted frustration that after city added Williamson County Schools impact component to annexation calculator at commissioner's request, commissioner went to state legislature instead of continuing collaboration
• Mayor emphasized cities and county work on different focus areas—city focuses on public safety, county focuses on schools
• Vice Mayor proposed striking "and opposing Williamson County Commission's proposed big government over regulation on property owners within the urban growth boundary" from resolution title when voted on, leaving positive "resolution reaffirming cooperative growth planning in Williamson County"
• Burger noted city's UGB document was praised as "one of the best plans" by state's Local Government Planning Advisory Commission
• Peterson emphasized historical collaboration between city and county on UGB and other initiatives
• Caesar praised Vice Mayor for extending collaboration rather than confrontation, expressed concern about state legislators making local land use decisions

Solar lease collateral assignment

• Andrew and Shauna presented collateral assignment agreement for solar power facility at water reclamation facility
• Energy Source Partners expanding current 200 kilowatt solar array to up to 1.5 megawatts of solar capacity with flow batteries
• City leases 4.2 acres to Energy Source Partners at water reclamation facility
• No site work commenced yet—Energy Source Partners has until December 2027 to complete project
• Collateral agreement required because solar equipment will be located on city's real estate property
• City secured first right of refusal to purchase equipment if default occurs
• Bank cannot find new tenant without city involvement due to public property location
• City will eventually own solar panels after 20 years, with ownership share increasing linearly over time rather than all at once
• Eric noted partnership has been in place for 13-14 years with updates and adaptations throughout
• Battle of Franklin Trust maintains grounds while city handles small capital improvements
• Ron Merville of Energy Source Partners and attorney Jim Porter attended meeting
• Burger confirmed project benefits city and aligns with sustainability goals at water reclamation facility
• Potts asked about similar agreement for future Southeastern Water Reclamation site—Eric noted different layout and phasing needs, but city remains open to opportunity

Capital Investment Plan quarterly update

• Michael, Chris Franklin, and Paul presented first quarterly CIP update for fiscal 2026 through fiscal 2035 plan
• Ten-year CIP totals $458,000,000 with 70% cash funding and only 30% debt—fiscally conservative approach contributing to city's AAA bond rating
• Completed projects 2020-2024: 14 projects totaling $57,800,000 (5 parks, 4 transportation, 4 general services, 2 stormwater)
• Completed projects in 2025:
  • Bicentennial Park: $11,710,000 budget, approximately $10,700,000 spent (cash funded), 10 acres with pavilion, 57 parking spaces, trails, plaza, and stage—ribbon cutting June 18, 2025
  • Harlinsdale Main Barn: $4,000,000 budget, $3,300,000 spent, includes renovated barn, kitchen, ADA improvements, Harlan's office restoration, fire suppression, and storage
  • Bundled Bridges: $3,800,000 budget, $3,300,000 spent—West Main Street widening, Pratt Lane reconstruction, Spencer Creek Road box culvert, Bakersbridge Avenue repairs, Mallory Lane repairs
  • Jordan Road (Aspen Grove to Mallory Lane): completed ahead of schedule, contractor received $100,000 incentive, reconstructed to two-lane standard with curb, gutter, sidewalks, bike lanes, and lighting
• Ongoing projects:
  • US Army Corps home raising: $10,500,000 budget, $3,500,000 spent to date, 5 remaining houses (3 under construction, 2 in contract planning), closed program, anticipated to come in under budget
  • New City Hall: $102,000,000 budget, parking structure basement foundation complete, first floor elevated slab in progress, guaranteed maximum price expected March 2026, completion 2027
  • Pearl phase one: heavy site grading continuing, Reeves Young brought on new civil contractor to expedite infrastructure work, approximately two years remaining in construction, estimated completion 2028, includes $1,500,000 private investment from Friends of Franklin Parks for inclusive playground
  • McEwen Ford: phase one utility relocation and heavy grading underway, Vulcan Materials receiving resident compliments for communication and responsiveness, received additional $1,500,000 cap funding, pursuing additional funding through Nashville Area MPO regional transportation plan adoption expected March 2026
  • Lewisburg Sidewalk: finalizing right-of-way with CSX (delayed from October 2025), preparing to bid this spring, $4,100,000 estimate, approximately one-year project, will require 8 months to one year road closure due to utility relocations and boring under CSX tracks
  • Liberty Park: $11,600,000 budget broken into three phases, bidding bridge replacement within next month, bidding irrigation replacement, incorporating pickleball courts into first phase along with pavilion and batting facility, anticipated completion 2028
  • Old Patonsville Road and Long Lane Bridge Connector: procuring right-of-way acquisition and appraisal services over next 2-3 months, 1.5-2 years for right-of-way acquisition, coordinating with utility partners on easements
  • East McEwen Phase 5: actively purchasing right-of-way from 3 property owners with multiple tracts, all offers made, awaiting Brentwood notice to proceed after phase four completion, city paying approximately 40% of cost with Brentwood paying remainder, Brentwood also actively purchasing right-of-way, project extends to Williamson County line at Split Log Road, estimated completion 2030
• Projects in design:
  • Franklin Road (Mac Hatcher to Mallard Station): contract approval tonight, evaluating 2-3 options, survey and traffic analysis moving forward, coordinating septic systems and utilities
  • Patonsville Road and Goose Creek: contract approval tonight for design phase
  • Boyd Mill Avenue: scope of services being drafted, multiple project options with most expensive option carried in CIP
  • Eddie Lane: next contract to be negotiated, multiple project options available
  • Hillsborough Road and Mac Hatcher: survey complete, initiating design, hopeful to bid in 2026, no right-of-way acquisition needed
  • Royal Oaks and Mac Hatcher: expediting in conjunction with TDOT resurfacing project
  • Mac Hatcher Multipurpose Trail: submitted for TAB funding, NEPA underway
  • Lewisburg Multi-Use Trail: will submit for cap and federal funding after phase one construction begins
• TDOT partnership projects:
  • Mac Hatcher Southeast Quadrant: initial meetings held, city depositing $50,000,000 contribution incrementally as needed, $25,000,000 shortfall remains, pursuing federal and MPO funding, contract structured to extend project as far as possible if shortfall not filled, value engineering options available, TDOT receptive to moving project earlier in ten-year plan, Franklin is one of only 9 partnership projects funded statewide by TDOT
  • State Route 6/Franklin Road East Main Street Bridge: construction starts Summer 2026, city contributing approximately $1,000,000 for enhancements (pedestrian separators, form liners, decorative street lighting), two 10-foot lanes maintained during construction, truck traffic prohibited
  • State Route 96 Bridge: TDOT plans to start immediately after State Route 6 bridge completion, maintaining two lanes of traffic during construction
• Vice Mayor emphasized prioritizing road construction over multi-use trail if value engineering needed on Mac Hatcher Southeast Quadrant, though trail would still be designed for future construction
• Eric noted multiple project options for Boyd Mill and Eddie Lane may allow cost reductions from most expensive option currently carried in CIP, with decisions expected by end of 2026
• Chris Franklin presented new CIP dashboard on city website (government > engineering > capital projects):
  • GIS dashboard shows all current projects with locations and overviews
  • Links to OpenGov software with detailed project information and pictures
  • Every expense tied to individual projects using project codes for complete transparency
  • Dashboard updated constantly as new projects added and completed projects archived
• Chris Franklin leaving city for budget manager position with City of Brentwood after four years with Franklin (started as management fellow)
• Michael announced work on data-driven scoring system for project evaluation, researching systems used by GNRC and MPOs, considering factors including:
  • Current asset condition
  • Roadway safety contribution
  • Congestion relief
  • Economic opportunity creation
  • Neighborhood and community impact
  • Alignment with Envision Franklin, Major Thoroughfares Plan, and Transit Master Plan
  • Regulatory guidance for water management projects
• Eric noted scoring structure will be presented to board before project evaluations begin to establish evaluation criteria upfront
• City will price bonds at 10:00 AM on Friday, February 27, 2026, allowing more precise debt service projections for future financial model updates

BOMA request tracking system

• Kim presented overview of board request tracking system developed over past year with Angie Scarp
• System completed over 108 requests from board members with 18 currently active and 16 paused
• Paused status means request essentially complete but being monitored for sensitive issues or to ensure no additional concerns arise
• Kim took over process at beginning of 2026 working with Eric and Angie
• Process: aldermen email Eric and Kim with requests, Kim confirms understanding, coordinates with departments, provides updates, and confirms completion with aldermen and Eric
• Citizens can submit requests directly through city website, which generates work orders to departments
• Website requests completed on average in less than three working days
• Over 80% of website requests completed in three days or less
• System ensures concerns are addressed, nothing falls through cracks, and requests are completed as fast as possible

BOMA Board Meeting Agenda/Packet Video

AI Summary

Action Items

• [ ] Eric Stuckey - Provide updates on IDD legislation changes Keep Board informed of any shifts or changes to IDD law as it progresses through state legislature committees before April 28 decision date.

Overview

• Board passed resolution reaffirming cooperative growth planning in Williamson County with 7-1 vote, responding to county commission's recent resolution seeking more control over city development decisions
• Vice Mayor Baggett amended resolution title to remove "opposing big government overregulation" language to make it more collaborative
• Board deferred IDD policy to April 28, 2026 to allow state legislation to finalize and potentially review Armistead development as example case
• Storm debris removal reached 60% completion on residential pickup with 3-4 weeks remaining until fully complete
• Board recognized 5 Eagle Scouts who visited City Hall years ago and completed community service projects

Eagle Scout recognition ceremony

• Mayor recognized 5 Eagle Scouts: Jess Campbell, Nathan Adams, Jackson Turvey, Ram Growal, and Alan Brown
• Scouts visited City Hall years ago as younger scouts and have now achieved Eagle Scout rank
• Only 4% of scouts have achieved Eagle Scout designation since 1911
• Scout projects completed:
• Ram Growal built butterfly garden for Lions Park
• Jess Campbell built shelves for school band program
• Nathan Adams built bat boxes for Giving Garden
• Alan Brown built seating and storage for Page High Athletic Building
• Jackson Turvey built flower beds for Giving Garden
• Scout masters Steven Brown and Matt Adams attended ceremony

County commissioners on growth policy conflict

• Commissioner Brian Bethard stated county resolution was about responsibility for countywide schools, infrastructure, and fiscal stability, not ending cooperation
• Bethard emphasized county has independent constitutional duty to evaluate fiscal and infrastructure impacts when development affects school capacity, roads, and emergency services
• Bethard committed to continued dialogue with Vice Mayor Baggett following their substantive conversations
• Commissioner Bill Petty highlighted county has over $1 billion in debt from building average of 2 schools per year for past 16+ years
• Beathard argued rural county residents face taxation without representation on development decisions within city UGB
• Beathard proposed solution: city should table its resolution and instead ask state legislators to give city a seat at table for county courthouse decision on HG Hill property
• Beathard noted county can circumvent city authority on courthouse just as county resolution would affect city authority on UGB development
• City Attorney Sean clarified county must go through city process for HG Hill property but can override city by two-thirds vote of county commission

IDD policy deferral to April

• Board unanimously deferred IDD policy resolution to April 28, 2026
• Deferral allows state legislation to complete committee process and finalize clarifications
• City Administrator Eric explained legislation clarifies county trustee authority to administer IDDs and allows third-party collection if trustee declines
• Staff offered to bring Armistead development to work session as discussion item before April 28 to help board understand IDD application
• Alderman Barnhill requested substantial time for Armistead discussion, not just 10-minute slot
• Alderman Peterson expressed opposition to IDD tool entirely
• Alderman Brown supported having IDD as available tool but acknowledged it won't fit all situations
• Barb Kramer suggested city implement auditing mechanism for IDD reporting rather than relying solely on developer self-reporting

Long Lane rezoning to office residential

• Board unanimously approved rezoning 7.01 acres from estate residential to office residential for property at 4325 Long Lane
• Property located south of Long Lane, west of Caruthers Road
• Envision Franklin places property in regional commerce design concept supporting retail, office, restaurant, hotel, and institutional uses
• Office residential district only allows house building type, maintaining residential character along corridor
• Planning Commission supported rezoning

HVAC condensation sewer surcharge

• Board unanimously approved contract with FDG NHC Optima JV LLC for sanitary sewer monthly surcharge
• Contract addresses HVAC condensation line emptying into sewer system at their building
• Condensation from air creates unmetered wastewater entering city collection and treatment system
• Surcharge ensures developer pays appropriate share for wastewater treatment
• Building already constructed, making it more costly to reroute condensation line
• Alderman Caesar confirmed arrangement addresses health and safety by properly tracking and charging for wastewater volume

Cooperative growth planning resolution

• Board passed resolution 7-1 (Peterson voted no) reaffirming cooperative growth planning in Williamson County
• Vice Mayor Baggett amended title to remove "opposing Williamson County Commission's proposed big government overregulation on property owners within urban growth boundary"
• Amended title: "Resolution Reaffirming Cooperative Growth Planning in Williamson County"
• Motion to defer to March 10, 2026 failed 6-2 (Barnhill and Peterson voted yes)
• Multiple municipalities passing similar resolutions: Spring Hill, Nolensville, Thompson Station, and Brentwood considering at work sessions
• Alderman Brown noted he added Williamson County Schools calculator to annexation calculator after meeting with Commissioner Petty, viewing county's subsequent state resolution as bypassing that collaboration
• Alderman Caesar opposed county resolution provision that would decline city plans if county doesn't respond within specified timeframe
• Alderman Potts emphasized decades of open communication between city and county leadership
• Jeff Goodspeed spoke supporting county position, stating county residents lack representation on UGB development decisions affecting them
• Resolution sends message to state legislators that city wants to maintain collaborative approach rather than additional county oversight layer

Tree Commission reappointments

• Board unanimously reappointed Kim Hoover, Michael Johnson, and Beth Adams to Franklin Tree Commission

Storm debris removal update

• City Administrator Eric reported residential debris pickup approximately 60% complete
• Parks debris pickup nearly complete
• Common areas and HOA debris removal still in progress
• Estimated 3-4 weeks until fully complete, longer than initial 2-week estimate
• Sanitation team added Friday and Saturday shifts to typical Monday-Thursday schedule to accelerate removal
• City using targeted contracting help where it makes sense
• Mayor thanked citizens for patience during removal process

Thursday, February 26th

Planning Commission Agenda/Packet Video

AI Summary

Overview

• Commission deferred the hillside overlay rezoning at 354 Franklin Road to March 26, 2026 after debate over whether to include a 1.4-acre area with stone wall and tree buffer in the protected zone
• Staff recommended denial of applicant's proposal, wanting to align the HHO with the conservation design concept approved in September 2025
• Initial motion to approve with conditions failed 5-3, then applicant requested deferral to revise proposal
• Commission approved the 2026 parks and recreation master plan update with amendment to add turf fields at Jim Warren Park
• Officials training scheduled for April 1, 2026 from 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM at Police Headquarters Building

Hillside overlay rezoning at 354 Franklin Road

• Joey presented ordinance 2025-54 to rezone 202.6 acres to revise the Hillside Hillcrest Overlay (HHO) district boundaries for property south of Mack Hatcher Memorial Parkway and east of Franklin Road
• Property is zoned estate residential and modifications to conservation line were approved by planning commission on 09/25/2025 through an Envision Franklin plan amendment
• Staff recommended denial because applicant omitted approximately 1.4 acres from the proposed HHO that was specifically added to the conservation design concept during the September approval
• The omitted area is located just north of single family lots that front along Ash Drive and includes an existing stone wall and tree buffer
• Historic Zoning Commission recommended approval with conditions that future development not increase visibility from Franklin Road and nearby historic resources including Roper's Knob, Whitehall, and Creekside
• Elaine Harrison testified she has lived at 322 Ash Drive since 1972 and opposes any development within 500 feet of her home
• Herschel Bailey spoke on behalf of senior residents who have lived in the neighborhood for 50-60 years and want the property preserved
• Bailey stated family members were told for years they could never build on the property because it was preserved
• Greg Gamble represented applicant Cumberland and Western Resources and explained they worked with staff for 18-24 months on HHO line criteria
• Gamble presented that the proposed HHO line follows GIS data including elevation contours, steep slopes, and viewshed analysis from major thoroughfares
• The disputed area along Ash Drive is approximately 250 feet in depth from rear property lines to the stone wall
• Applicant surveyed and staked the proposed HHO line to provide legal description for recording
• Commissioner Orr moved to approve with condition that the blue line shown on staff exhibit A (the 1.4-acre area) be incorporated into the HHO revision
• Motion failed 5-3 with Harrison, Orr, and Peterson voting aye; Allen, Lindsey, Mann, McLemore, and Williamson voting nay
• Commissioner Mann then moved to recommend disapproval to Board of Mayor and Aldermen
• Gamble requested deferral before vote on denial motion, stating they heard the commission and will bring back a new plan
• Commissioner Mann withdrew motion to deny and moved to defer to March 26, 2026 meeting
• Deferral motion passed unanimously
• Applicant committed to submit revised proposal by March 5, 2026 to meet agenda deadline or defer another month if needed
• Staff noted they may need a survey showing exact location of the blue line before taking item to Board of Mayor and Aldermen
• Two existing lots from Hill Estates extend into the property with front portions in the HHO and back portions outside the HHO
• Harrison family clarified that the property line shown on maps incorrectly includes their land on the far left side

Parks and recreation master plan update

• Heather Eusebio presented resolution 2025-108 adopting an update to the parks and recreation master plan
• Last comprehensive update was completed in 2015
• Current update process began in 2023 and included extensive coordination among city staff, planning consultants, and community stakeholders
• Plan serves as primary long-range planning guide for preserving, developing, maintaining, and programming parks, greenways, trails, and recreational facilities over the next 10 years
• Public input showed residents want expanded trail connections, increased walkability, diverse programming, and continued preservation of natural and historic resources
• Plan establishes short, mid, and long-term strategies for land acquisition, park development, facility improvements, maintenance planning, and operational funding
• Jim Chinley testified on behalf of Franklin Baseball Club, which serves approximately 3,000 kids annually with another 100 on waitlist
• Chinley requested amendment to include turf fields at Jim Warren Park to allow play through weather incidents and attract more tournaments
• Page 22 of master plan identifies city is having difficulty serving community with current number of baseball fields
• Lisa Clayton took turf field discussion to Board of Mayor and Aldermen on February 10, 2026 and received approval to include in budget for spring consideration
• Commissioner Mann moved to amend plan to add turf fields as line item on page 30 under improved functional operation and delivery of programs at Jim Warren Park
• Amendment passed unanimously
• Resolution as amended passed unanimously

For all meetings next week go here. The next BOMA meeting is January 13th

Election Commission

No meetings this week or next

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)

"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves" (Philippians 2:3)

Blessings,

Bill

pettyandassociates@gmail.com

Community resources

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• Tennessee Stands produces video media, podcasts, and live events, and provides social commentary on relevant issues in our state.
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