Friday Recap for July 4th, 2025
My Comment
Happy 4th. The 4th of July is a great time to be with the people you enjoy celebrating a remarkable nation. We certainly have been through a lot, have we not? We are a cantankerous bunch who have always been at odds with ourselves and the rest of the world, and yet we have not only survived, but thrived.
Since our founding, we have shown the best and, conversely, the worst of humanity. We are a generous, giving people but at times have displayed intolerance and even oppression in our own land and abroad. In short, we are human.
Even though, at times we have failed to hold "these truths" as we should, our achievements have far out weighted our short comings. We are still a shining light for the rest of the world and worthy of celebration on this special day. There are many great stories to tell from the founding to the present day. There are many great figures to emulate in our history who have shown us the way to a more perfect union.
Let us all reflect on what it means to be an American as President Kennedy did at his inauguration so many years ago: "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country". America has been great for a very long time, and we can all, through our individual involvement, make it even greater.
God Bless America
The History of the Star Spangled Banner
More History of our National Anthem
An upcoming event you might want to attend. Guitars for Vets is an organization that I am involved with. We give 10 free guitar lessons to vets and, upon completion, they get a brand new guitar, gig bag, tuner, capo, etc. It's a great program that has changed lives. The Nashville chapter holds a bi-weekly jam session so that graduates of the program can gather together and hone their chops. For the last several months, we have been holding a showcase, on the second Saturday of the month, at the Franklin VFW that includes performances by these veterans as well as Nashville song writers and anyone who wants to sign up for open mic. It's really a blast, and if you're looking for something fun to do on July 12th, come on out. Oh, and we encourage folks to sing along with the Vets and the food is delicious.
this past week the following committees/commissions met:
Tuesday July 1st
- Williamson County Property Committee
- Williamson Count Parks and Recreation
Wednesday July 2nd
- Williamson County Highway Commission
Thursday July 3rd
- Williamson County Public Health Committee
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.
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Williamson County School District
Nothing scheduled until August
Williamson County Commission
Williamson County Commission committees
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
Tuesday July 1st
Property Committee Agenda/minutes/resolutions Lease agreement Transfer of equipment
AI Summary
Overview
- Committee approved 4 resolutions including Benjamin Franklin statue placement, weightlifting equipment transfer, and Battle Avenue lease agreement
- 800-pound bronze Benjamin Franklin statue donated by Mrs. Pam Lewis will be placed in Veterans park area facing Franklin Square
- Williamson County will receive weightlifting equipment from City of Franklin for sheriff's department use
- Rebecca Beard approved to remain at 118 Battle Avenue property until she passes away
- Committee corrected previous statue resolution to show proper donor name (Mrs. Pam Lewis, not Mrs. Pam Stevens)
Minutes approval and corrections
- Participant 2 motioned to approve meeting minutes with Participant 1 seconding
- Participant 1 noted correction made to historic statue resolution regarding donor name
- Participant 1 attached copy of corrected resolution with proper name for committee review
- Minutes approved unanimously with noted correction
Benjamin Franklin statue placement
- 800-pound bronze statue donated by Mrs. Pam Lewis will be placed in Veterans park area
- Statue positioned to face Franklin Square as Benjamin Franklin reads the Declaration of Independence
- Participant 2 explained location is above archives library, butted to archives in Veterans park area
- Statue includes integrated bench and will have educational plaque for public
- Participant 2 recommended waiting for statue arrival to assess mounting, sizing, and potential lighting needs
- Committee approved statue placement unanimously
Weightlifting equipment transfer agreement
- Resolution 7253 authorizes Williamson County mayor to enter interlocal agreement with City of Franklin
- Equipment transfers from City of Franklin to Williamson County sheriff's department
- Participant 2 confirmed equipment becomes Williamson County asset once transferred
- Equipment previously located in City Hall
- Resolution approved unanimously
Battle Avenue property lease
- Resolution 7253 authorizes lease agreement for 118 Battle Avenue at corner of Battle Avenue and Granbury
- Property was part of enrichment center purchase (former VGA property)
- Rebecca Beard (widow of deceased Mr. Beard) approved to remain on property until she passes away
- Mr. Beard was accomplished handyman who worked for Battleground Academy
- Resolution approved unanimously
Corrected statue resolution approval
- Committee voted on corrected resolution to fix donor name error
- Proper donor identified as Mrs. Pam Lewis (lives in historic home on Columbia Avenue)
- Previous incorrect name was Mrs. Pam Stevens (associated with funeral home)
- Corrected resolution approved unanimously
Parks and Recreation Resolution Audio
AI Summary
Overview
- Committee unanimously approved $550,000 capital budget resolution for parks equipment and facility improvements, funded by recreation privilege tax
- Parks department achieved 10th consecutive year of revenue growth with $12.4 million in total revenue, up $1.02 million from last year's $11.2 million
- Gordon highlighted department's strong financial performance while committee explored potential fee increases to reduce taxpayer burden
- Equipment purchases include fitness center equipment, flooring repairs, communication radios, and maintenance equipment
Minutes approval
- Committee unanimously approved minutes from May 6th meeting with no corrections or concerns
Equipment and facility purchases resolution
- Committee unanimously approved Resolution 72-5-13 appropriating $550,000 for parks equipment and facility improvements
- Funding comes from recreation privilege tax revenue
- Equipment breakdown includes:
- $135,000 for fitness center equipment replacement to stay competitive in market
- Banquet hall carpet replacement at enrichment center
- Hallway flooring at Hillsboro Leaders Fort Rec Center due to water damage and mold abatement
- Pavilion replacement at same location
- Field brush mower for ball field grooming
- Communication radios for nature park staff safety
- Boom lift for light maintenance (motorized scissors lift)
- Tridec mower for Bermuda grass fields
- Mini track loader for maintenance
- Pool lounge chairs replacement
Retired equipment disposal process
- Gordon Hampton explained department sells retired fitness equipment when possible
- Equipment is repurposed to other county departments including sheriff's department and schools
- Remaining equipment goes to public auction
Annual revenue performance report
- Total revenue increased from $11,221,038.51 last year to $12,412,097.37 this year
- Revenue increase of $1,191,058.86 represents 10th consecutive year of growth under Gordon's leadership
- Department manages over 12 Bermuda grass fields including soccer complex alone
- Receives funding from recreation and soccer associations for fertilizers and overseeding
Fee increase considerations
- Commissioner Petty suggested small fee increases of $3-4 to move toward self-funding
- Gordon noted department does raise rates periodically for facility users who generate revenue
- Gordon recommended keeping rates flat given recent tax increases to avoid piling costs on public
- Gordon explained rate increases alone couldn't cover $12 million budget gap for full self-funding
Wednesday July 2nd
Highway Commission Agenda The audio on this is not very good due to the acoustics in the room so some of the comments didn't register.
AI Summary
Overview
- Corey Carlson presented safety concerns about the Arno Road and Peytonsville Arno Road intersection on behalf of 393 residents, requesting immediate county evaluation after a serious accident on June 29th
- County official confirmed annexation decisions don't fall back on county taxpayers and noted road maintenance responsibility concerns
- Resident thanked Eddie Hood for responsive road maintenance services, particularly on Pasco Road
Arno Road intersection safety concerns
- Corey Carlson spoke on behalf of 393 residents from College Grove, Arrington, and Bethesda about dangerous intersection conditions
- Carlson reported that College Grove area has grown to 6,200 residents with more than 5,000 of driving age, creating significant traffic backups stretching more than half a mile
- Serious vehicle accident occurred June 29th involving a personal vehicle and sheriff's department SUV at Peytosnville Arno Road and Arnold Road intersection
- Resident Lori Felling noted the bend in the road makes it difficult to see and creates worry for families passing through multiple times daily
- Carlson identified three contributing hazards: sharp curve on northbound Arnold Road, blind spot for eastbound drivers on Peytonville Arnold Road, and insufficient traffic control with only a two-way stop
- Residents requested county highway department conduct formal traffic study, review accident history and traffic volume, and implement appropriate traffic control measures like additional signage, stop signs, rumble strips, four-way stop, or roundabout
Annexation and road maintenance responsibilities
- Participant 1 confirmed that annexation decisions don't fall back on county taxpayers
- County official noted that annexation approval/disapproval concerns maintenance of roads
- Sean Aiello and Brian Beathard refused to sign the resolution for an interlocal agreement preventing it from moving forward until September
Appreciation for road maintenance services
- Participant 3 thanked Eddie Hood for responsive road maintenance services
- Participant 3 specifically appreciated Hood's quick follow-up and care of Pasco Road
- Participant 2 acknowledged the appreciation on behalf of the county
Thursday July 3rd
Public Health Resolution Resolution Resolution Resolution I did not attend this meeting, so I have no further information.
These are all public meetings and anyone can attend.
Williamson County Commission Committees
Board of Mayor and Aldermen
There were no meetings this week
For Next Week go here
Election Commission
There were no meetings this week and non are scheduled for 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.” (1st Corinthians 4:12-13)
Blessings,
Bill
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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