Friday Recap for May 23, 2025

My Comment

The Republican Party of Williamson County is horribly split.  This split was clearly on display Thursday night as they both held mix and mingles.  The Williamson County Republican Party (WCRP) had about 120 participants, including state reps and county commissioners.  The Williamson County Conservatives (WCC) had about 45 participants, including state reps, county commissioners and school board members.  Both groups were visited by Andy Ogles, who just returned after voting for the "Big Beautiful Bill".

The WCRP is the official, state Republican Party-sanctioned organization and the WCC is a recently organized alternative that ran a slate of candidates for the WCRP and lost the county convention elections in March of this year.  Both groups claim to be conservative and grassroots.  Both groups claim to represent the people the best.

I stand with the WCRP and make no apologies for that.  But, I have friends in both camps, which pains me beyond belief.  The two sides are not talking.  There are hurt feelings on both sides that, apparently, go back years.  

I'm sure that I am not alone in having friends from both sides.  Steve Hickey has made it clear that he and the WCRP board are willing to talk, which I wholeheartedly endorse.  Regardless of which side you are on, I encourage you to reach out to a friend on the other side and listen to what they have to say.  People want to be heard and when we really listen, new opportunities open up and real, meaningful dialog happens.  If we don't find ways to work together, then the split will continue to widen and that is not good for Williamson County nor the State of Tennessee.

Did You Know

Williamson County Juvenile court Part II

 A few Things to Know About Juvenile Court

 There are Three levels of supervision

 Pretrial Diversion Juvenile pretrial diversion programs offer an alternative to traditional juvenile court processing, aiming to divert youth from the formal court system and into community-based services and interventions. These programs, available to youth with non-violent offenses and who may be first-time offenders, can help reduce the stigma associated with a criminal record and potentially lead to dismissal of charges upon successful completion. 

 County Probation is the supervision and monitoring of justice-involved youth in the community, rather than placement out of the home.  Youths on probation must comply with the terms and conditions of probation imposed by the court.

Intensive Probation is Intensive Juvenile Probation (IPS) is a highly structured form of probation for juveniles, designed to provide more intensive supervision and services than standard probation. It's typically reserved for high-risk youth who would otherwise be incarcerated or placed in out-of-home placements. IPS aims to reduce recidivism, enhance public safety, and provide support for the juvenile and their family. 

 Alternative interventions are endless, but include probation, counseling, connection to school activities, residential programs, drug testing and many more.  Each child brings their own set of issues and the job of the court is to ascertain the best program that gives the greatest chance at success while assuring public safety.

 A Few Things to Know About Our At Risk Youth

 Most children that end up involved in our system need services

 Many have had four or more Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE).  Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are stressful or traumatic events that occur during childhood, from birth to age 17, which can have a lasting impact on a child's development and health. These experiences can lead to mental health and chronic health conditions in adulthood. ACEs include things like abuse, neglect, household dysfunction, and witnessing violence. 

 A lot of work involves the whole family

 We never give up hope for the success for the youth that we serve.  The motto for our Juvenile Court is Accountability + Grace.  We don’t baby them, but we don’t condemn them either.  The goal is to help them learn to deal with the world in a productive way that will serve them the rest of their lives.

Go here to see the people who make up the Juvenile court and what they do.

 A few of our partners

 Department of Children’s services (DCS).  In Williamson County, we have a Foster Care Review Board that is made up of 18 individuals who monitor each child in foster care in Williamson County to make sure they are in a good placement and are getting the services they need.

Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA)

Attorneys including PD/DA

Law Enforcement

Service Providers

Crisis Response/Mental Health services

ONEGENAWAY

 I hope this information gives you a better sense of what the Williamson County Juvenile Court is all about.  How do we put a price on the life of a child?  What is the financial impact of a lifelong criminal compared to a changed child who goes on to live a productive life?

 If you would like more information or to arrange a tour of our juvenile system, contact Zannie Martin at 615-790-5812.

Next week I will be sharing some of the issues with our current jail.

This past week the following committees/commissions met:

Monday May 19th

• Williamson County School Board
• Human Resources

Tuesday May 20th

• No meetings

Wednesday May 21st

• Law Enforcement and Public Safety

Thursday May 22nd

• Franklin Capital Investment Committee
• The BOMA FMPC Joint Conceptual Workshop
• The BOMA FMPC Joint Conceptual Workshop

AI Disclaimer:

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

Monday May 19th

The School board met agenda video

AI Summary

Overview

• Board approved $3,233,173.88 in budget resolutions for various expenses including custodial supervision, trustee commission, ESCO payment, insurance, textbooks, and student support services
• Board approved $200,000 from Education Capital Projects Fund for Creekside traffic signal
• Board approved Child Find and Special Education policy with new language requiring families to receive draft IEPs at least 48 hours before meetings
• Board approved 2025-26 school board meeting dates with December 15th policy committee date
• Board approved PECA memorandum of understanding with pay increases contingent on county commission budget approval on June 20th
• Board approved 2025-26 pay charts with approximately $16 million in funding for pay increases

Public comments on arts teacher stipends

• Gray Rose thanked the board for changing middle school art stipend to percentage-based rather than fixed amount
• Gray Rose questioned why theater teachers receive 7% stipend while band teachers receive 10% despite theater teachers working more hours after school
• Gray Rose suggested all middle school arts stipends should be set at 7% or based on accurate data

Public comments on homeschool student participation in marching band

• Serenity Greenough requested homeschooled students be allowed to participate in marching band/color guard at Page High School
• Greenough cited Tennessee code allowing homeschooled students to participate in interscholastic athletic competition
• Tammy McAllister noted marching band is an after-school activity like sports that homeschooled students are allowed to join
• Rochelle Schoenborn referenced Tennessee code 49-6-3050 subsection E1B regarding interscholastic athletic competition
• Kristen Anderson noted WCS allows PE credit for marching band participation, demonstrating its athletic nature

Student and staff recognition

• Carol Birdsong recognized Ravenwood High School for winning TSSAA girls flag football state championship
• Birdsong recognized 29 students who achieved perfect ACT scores from various high schools
• Birdsong recognized multiple Technology Student Association state champions from Legacy Middle School and high schools
• Birdsong recognized Evan Burton from Page High School as Tennessee Music Association Outstanding Middle School Music Educator of the Year
• Birdsong recognized three educators who received CMA Foundation for Excellence awards: Nick Blue, Elena Gallus, and Carolyn Hankins
• Fairview Elementary School received the Purple Star award for commitment to serving military-connected families

Budget resolutions for custodial supervision and trustee commission

• Board approved $20,000 for custodial supervision due to increased community use of school facilities
• Board approved $300,000 for trustee commission based on property tax collection

Budget resolutions for ESCO payment and insurance expenses

• Board approved $1,163,173.88 for annual ESCO (Energy Savings) payment covering lights and water systems improvements
• Board approved $700,000 for additional insurance expenses including liability coverage, workers compensation, and billing/content coverage

Budget resolutions for textbooks and student support services

• Board approved $900,000 for additional textbook expenses after underestimating science textbook costs
• Board approved $150,000 for student support services to cover additional translation services and staff mileage

Education Capital Projects Fund resolution for Creekside traffic signal

• Board approved $200,000 from contingency funds for traffic signal at Creekside Elementary School
• After this allocation, $5,980,000 remains in rural debt contingency and $2,798,000 in general debt contingency

Child Find and Special Education policy approval

• Board approved policy with new language about Child Find process to identify students needing special education services
• Policy includes new state law requirement that families receive draft IEPs at least 48 hours before meetings
• Mr. Bostic expressed interest in adding service delivery log requirements in future policy updates

Semester and final exams policy update

• Board approved maintaining 15% minimum weight for end-of-course exams despite state changing minimum to 0%
• Dr. Allen confirmed end-of-course exam scores were received from the state on May 19, 2025

Student wellness policy discussion

• Board approved first reading of policy changes based on new state law requiring 40 minutes of daily unstructured physical activity for elementary students
• WCS plans to implement 45 minutes daily, exceeding state minimum requirement
• Dr. Oyer explained schedule adjustments came from community meeting time, specials, lunch, and transition times without reducing core academic time

School board meeting dates for 2025-26

• Board approved meeting dates with January policy committee meeting moved from January 5th to December 15th
• Board will not meet on February 16, 2026 due to President's Day

PECA memorandum of understanding approval

• Board approved memorandum with Williams County Education Association
• Agreement includes pay increases for academic supplements contingent on county commission budget approval on June 20th

Pay chart approval and proposed amendment discussion

• Board approved 2025-26 pay charts with approximately $16 million in funding for pay increases
• Dr. Johnson proposed amendment to reallocate $600,000 from staff making over $100,000 to add two system close days for 10-11 month classified staff
• Amendment failed with 3 yes votes, 8 no votes, and 1 abstention
• Pay charts include 2% increase for most administrators with some receiving 4% at five-year intervals

Next Week

There are no meetings scheduled for next week.

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.

Monday May 19th

The Human Resources Committee met Resolution Contract April Minutes audio. Scroll down to page 18 of the contract to see what the scope of services is all about.

AI Summary

Overview

• Committee approved a $912,000 two-year grant from Tennessee Department of Finance and Administration for a new evidence-based program manager position at Williams County Sheriff's Office
• Position will cost $85,501 in year one and $94,258 in year two for salary and benefits, with remaining funds allocated for program support
• Educare will serve as subcontractor providing the actual programming while the new position oversees implementation
• Office of Criminal Justice Programs indicated funding might continue beyond the initial two-year period
• Final vote scheduled for Wednesday, May 21, 2025

Grant overview for evidence-based program manager

• Grant totals $912,000 from Tennessee Department of Finance and Administration office of criminal justice programs
• Funding will support a new full-time evidence-based program manager position at Williams County Sheriff's Office
• Position will help develop and implement programming aimed at reducing recidivism in the Williams County Jail
• Committee approved the resolution with a 4-0 vote

Position funding breakdown

• First year salary and benefits total $85,501
• Second year salary and benefits increase to $94,258
• Remaining funds allocated for program support including supplies, equipment, and contracting
• Position will be classified as a deputy position within the Sheriff's Office
• Participant 2 noted the detailed breakdown appears on the last page of the 20-page contract

Evidence-based program explanation

• Programs include Matrix Model addressing criminogenic thinking and distorted thinking patterns
• Moral Recognition Therapy (MRT) focuses on changing thinking patterns related to criminal behaviors
• Parenting programs will be added to the curriculum
• Participant 6 clarified "evidence-based" means programs have been researched and validated as effective for the target population
• Program manager will oversee assessments to ensure appropriate level of care for participants

Grant sustainability after two years

• Grant is confirmed for a two-year period
• Participant 6 reported the Office of Criminal Justice Programs is "very hopeful" funding will continue for multiple years
• Participant 2 confirmed the grant comes directly from the state without federal pass-through requirements
• Committee expressed concern about sustainability if funding ends after the initial period

Educare's role as subcontractor

• Educare will be paid as a subcontractor through the grant
• Educare staff will provide the actual programming while the grant-funded position oversees implementation
• Participant 6 from Educare served as spokesperson explaining the grant details to the committee
• Educare will handle program delivery while the new position will manage scheduling, structure, and assessments

Wednesday May 21st

Law Enforcement and Public Safety Packet Minutes Audio

AI Summary

Overview

• Committee approved $12.50 court fee for District Attorney's office on misdemeanor and felony charges
• Accepted $8,400 pet food donation from Mars Pet Care for Sheriff's Office canine unit
• Approved grant for evidence-based jail rehabilitation program with $912,599 total budget
• Authorized agreements with Nolensville ($70,000) and Fairview ($50,000) for firefighting services in unincorporated areas
• Approved Thompson Station agreement to fund 50% ($62,000) of fire captain position
• Created new fire service district near Malachi Lane using existing resources

$12.50 court fee for District Attorney's office

• Committee approved resolution authorizing $12.50 charge on every misdemeanor and felony case in Williamson County
• General Stacey Edmondson explained fee applies only to convictions or negotiated settlements, not dismissed cases
• Fee will replace existing economic crime fund and can be used for salaries, training, and equipment
• Commissioner Maso abstained from voting as it will first come before their office

Mars Pet Care donation to Sheriff's Office

• Committee accepted conditional donation of pet food from Mars Pet Care valued at $8,400
• Sheriff's Office representative confirmed donation will support their canine unit
• Resolution passed unanimously

Evidence-based program grant for jail rehabilitation

• Approved grant contract with Tennessee Department of Finance and Administration for jail rehabilitation program
• Ms. Corlew from Educare explained program will serve inmates with at least 30-day sentences
• Program includes Matrix Model for substance abuse and Moral Recognition Therapy for criminogenic thinking
• Grant funds two classroom refits (one for males, one for females) and a full-time program manager position
• Total grant budget at $912,599 over two years
• Program aims to reduce recidivism and help inmates develop skills during incarceration and for three weeks post-release

Nolensville firefighting services agreement

• Approved agreement for Town of Nolensville to provide firefighting services to unincorporated areas
• Commissioner Clifford explained Nolensville will be reimbursed $250 per call
• Estimated annual cost of $70,000 based on past call volume
• Agreement deemed more cost-effective than hiring county personnel or assigning responsibility to Arrington Fire Department

Fairview firefighting services agreement

• Approved agreement with City of Fairview for firefighting services in unincorporated areas
• Connor Scott explained county's volunteer station currently on Fairview property needs to relocate
• Estimated annual cost of $50,000
• Connor Scott noted offsetting reductions in existing budget to fund this and other agreements

Thompson Station fire captain agreement

• Approved interlocal agreement with Thompson Station to share cost of administrative fire captain
• Thompson Station agreed to fund 50% ($62,000) of position's salary and benefits
• County will cover remaining salary costs plus vehicle, equipment, and uniforms
• Position would be a county employee serving as the 8th fire captain in the county
• Connor Scott noted position would primarily serve Station 23 but respond to fires countywide

New fire service district creation

• Approved creation of new fire district based at existing EMS station on Malachi Lane in Triune
• Arrington Volunteer Fire Department will staff the new district with existing volunteers
• New district aims to improve coverage in Triune area and potentially lower insurance rates for residents
• Connor Scott confirmed no additional staff or resources needed initially
• Future Triune fire station remains in capital plan but was deferred in current budget

Thursday May 22nd

Board of Zoning Appeals meets at 6:00pm in the County Administrative Complex Executive Conference Room 1320 West Main Street Franklin Agenda

Next Week

Tuesday May 27th

The Education Committee will meet at 5:30 pm in the County Administrative Complex Executive Conference Room 1320 West Main Street Franklin. Resolutions

Wednesday May 28th

The Storm Water Appeal Board will meet a 8:30 am. in in the County Administrative Complex Maint Auditorium 1320 West Main Street Franklin Agenda

The Property Committee will meet at 5:30 pm in the County Administrative Complex Executive Conference Room 1320 West Main Street Franklin. April Minutes Resolution Resolution Resolution

Thursday May 29th

The Rules Committee will meet at 4:30 pm in the Williamson County Administrative Complex Executive Conference Room 1320 West Main Street Franklin. resolution 1, resolution 2, minutes

Last week, I mentioned that resolution 5-25-1, which is resolution 2 above, was deferred until our June commission meeting. It is now on the Rules Committee agenda for the 29th. Hopefully, it will get cleaned up and be ready for the June meeting.

These are all public meetings and anyone can attend.

Williamson County Commission Committees

Board of Mayor and Aldermen

Thursday May 22nd

The Capital investment Committee met agenda video

AI Summary

Action Items

• [ ] Participant 6 - Post Columbia Avenue project update on website Upload the detailed Columbia Avenue right of way acquisition project update that was sent out by William Banks to the city website for public access.
• [ ] Participant 3 - Talk to Lisa about Liberty Park pavilion and pickleball courts Clarify with Lisa the current phase plans for the pavilion, bathrooms, and pickleball courts at Liberty Park to ensure accurate information has been communicated to HOAs.
• [ ] Paul - Bring landscape plan back to board for funding allocation Develop and price the McEwen 4 landscape plan, then present it to the board for funding approval and allocation.
• [ ] Paul - Start moving forward with landscape plan for McEwen 4 Begin development of a comprehensive landscape plan for the McEwen 4 project to be ready for implementation after construction completion.
• [ ] Paul - Bring McEwen Phase 5 back to board when ready Present McEwen Phase 5 project to the board in approximately one and a half years once right of way acquisition is complete and both cities are financially prepared.
• [ ] Paul - Talk to Brentwood about moving McEwen Phase 5 ahead Contact Brentwood to advocate for accelerating the McEwen Phase 5 project timeline to avoid having contractors leave the site and return later, taking advantage of current staging area and Vulcan contractor presence.

Overview

• Committee approved 7 contracts and agreements totaling over $284,000 for various capital projects
• DRB Preservation Trust road impact fee offset approved for up to $239,056 for Sheridan preserve subdivision improvements
• Liberty Park Bridge project achieved major cost savings by relocating bridge 50 feet to avoid expensive sewer line relocation and eliminate need for $200,000-$300,000 temporary crossing
• McEwen Phase 4 right of way acquisition moving forward with $22,000 appraisal contract, with committee pushing to accelerate Phase 5 construction while Vulcan contractor still on site
• Multiple infrastructure projects progressing including Pearl, Robinson Lake, and McEwen Drive clearing operations causing traffic delays

DRB Preservation Trust road impact fee offset

• Committee approved contract 20240072 with DRB Preservation Trust for road impact fee offset agreement up to $239,056
• Paul explained project involves small residential subdivision installing turn lane on Franklin Road and dedicating right of way
• Alderman Brown noted agreement allows developer to offset fees between different buckets where they paid more in one area than another
• Alderman Berger confirmed location is off Barry's Chapel Road
• Motion passed unanimously 4-0

Goose Creek Drive sewer availability

• Michelle presented sewer availability request for 2078 Goose Creek Drive in Goose Creek basin south of Southvale subdivision
• Developer extending sewer as part of off-site infrastructure will impact property's existing septic system
• Staff recommended approval without annexation agreement since property owner didn't choose to connect to city system
• Motion passed unanimously 4-0

Harlansdale main barn project amendment

• Committee approved amendment four to contract 20200124 with Kimberly Horn for additional $1,320
• Paul explained small budget increase needed for final walkthrough with architect, interior designers, and engineers
• Amendment covers inspection of electrical and plumbing installations to ensure compliance with plans
• Alderman Berger questioned coverage, Paul confirmed it includes final walkthrough by design team who are intimately knowledgeable about finishes
• Motion passed unanimously 4-0

East McEwen Drive retaining wall engineering

• Committee approved contract 20250163 with Benesh for retaining wall construction engineering administration services
• Paul explained Benesh was original wall designer and needed for shop drawing approvals, contractor questions, and final inspections
• Alderman Berger expressed concerns about wall construction quality given difficult terrain
• Jonathan detailed comprehensive approach including geotechnical borings at every wall location and selection of appropriate wall types (MSE walls with tie-backs or poured-in-place gravity walls)
• Contractor's subcontractor owner has master's degree in structural engineering and specializes in walls and bridges
• Motion passed unanimously 4-0

McEwen Phase 4 right of way appraisals

• Committee approved draft contract 2025179 with Boozer & Co for $22,000 in right of way appraisal services
• Paul explained project covers McEwen from Wilson Pike to city limits with cost sharing partnership with Brentwood
• Brentwood paying 100% for extension through their city to Williamson County line
• Right of way acquisition process expected to take 1-1.5 years
• Alderman Berger pushed for accelerating Phase 5 construction while Vulcan contractor still on site to avoid remobilization costs
• Paul agreed to discuss with Brentwood about moving Phase 5 ahead and will bring back to committee in about 1.5 years
• Motion passed unanimously 4-0

Liberty Park Bridge redesign

• Committee approved contract 20250180 with Benesh for additional roadway design up to $22,500
• City inspector identified opportunity to shift entry road 50 feet to avoid relocating expensive sewer main
• Jonathan explained redesign shortened bridge from over 80 feet to little over 40 feet by eliminating skew across dry creek bed
• Major cost savings include avoiding sewer line relocation and eliminating $200,000-$300,000 temporary crossing during construction
• New design allows existing bridge to remain open during construction and enables multiple contractors to bid instead of single specialty bidder
• Previous retrofit bridge bid came back at $1.2 million, new design will be completely new bridge
• Alderman Berger asked about pickleball courts, Paul clarified they're in later phase but could potentially be moved up
• Discussion about $13 million in parkland funding with current phase estimated at $11-12 million
• Motion passed unanimously 4-0

Capital projects status updates

• Jonathan provided updates on ongoing projects including Pearl, Robinson Lake, and McEwen Drive
• McEwen Drive clearing and grubbing operations started 3 weeks ago, causing traffic delays due to safety requirements for tree removal
• Operations expected to complete in 1.5-2 weeks before moving to grading phase
• Old city hall demolition actively underway with construction cameras providing Facebook Live coverage
• Lewisburg water project finished work on Berry Circle with paving completed, water installed to Stewart Street
• Project still on schedule to complete Adams Street intersection by end of May 2025
• Five Points work planned to complete before school year begins
• Highway 96 concrete barrier project plans submitted to TDOT, expecting 90-day timeline for bid and award process
• Alderman Berger requested landscape plan development for McEwen Phase 4 to be ready for implementation 3 years after 2027 completion
• Columbia Avenue right of way acquisition progressing with first 3 property appraisals completed out of 58 total properties, 2-2.5 year timeline anticipated

The BOMA FMPC Joint Conceptual Workshop met agenda video

AI Summary

Overview

• Staff presented fiscal impact analysis tool for annexations that would provide cost-benefit data during the annexation review process without changing current timelines
• City completed urban growth boundary update on November 13, 2024, removing 2,500 acres and adding 2,200 acres primarily in Goose Creek area
• Staff recommended design concepts for newly added UGB areas, with 5 parcels changed from single family to mixed residential due to Carruthers Parkway extension shift
• Planning Commission will vote on UGB design concepts on June 26th public hearing
• Development Services Advisory Commission will review fiscal tool updates on June 3rd with BOMA work session planned for June 24th

Fiscal impact analysis tool for annexations

• Staff developed tool to analyze revenue versus costs for annexation requests due to rising infrastructure and service costs
• Tool would be implemented after draft plan of services approval but before Planning Commission review
• Revenue factors include tap fees, water impact fees, road impact fees, property tax, commercial taxes, and sales tax
• Cost factors include infrastructure upsizing, new facilities, equipment purchases, and additional staffing needs
• Development Services Advisory Commission provided feedback in March requesting earlier access to worksheet for pro forma calculations
• Staff currently integrating sales tax categories and working with city departments on average maintenance costs
• Staff running examples of approved developments to establish baseline before implementing tool
• Alderman Baggett emphasized tool should provide directionally accurate cost information when community raises infrastructure cost concerns
• Commissioners agreed tool should supplement but not replace Envision Franklin compliance in decision-making

Urban growth boundary update and design concepts

• Countywide growth plan completed November 13, 2024 with Franklin removing 2,500 acres and adding 2,200 acres to urban growth boundary
• Added areas primarily in Goose Creek basin with some parcels in southern Lewisburg Pike area for boundary cleanup
• Staff recommendations consistent with 2023 public draft except 5 parcels changed from single family residential to mixed residential
• Carothers Parkway extension shifted east along Peytonsville Road, prompting design concept changes for affected parcels
• Proposed setback requirements: 50 feet along Peytonsville Road in neighborhood mixed use areas, 100 feet in mixed residential areas, 150 feet transitioning to Williamson County
• 100 foot minimum setback proposed along Carothers Parkway extension to maintain rural character
• Staff sent mailers to impacted property owners and residents within 500 feet in April
• Open office hours held April 28th from 8 AM to 5 PM for community questions
• Alderman Baggett suggested more rural character design concepts instead of single family residential to preserve open space
• Participant 2 supported single family approach to maintain country feel and reduce traffic density
• Staff confirmed Ladd Park as closest example to proposed single family residential areas
• Rural reserve areas require 50% open space with 1 acre minimum lots, creating 1 unit per acre density

Franklin Municipal Planning Commission met agenda video

AI Summary

Action Items

• [ ] Staff - Resend public notification letters with correct address for rezoning ordinance 2025-10 Resend public notification letters with the correct address for Ordinance 2025-10 (rezoning 19.43 acres from CI to HI District at 408 Century Court) for the June 26, 2025 meeting, as the original letters contained an incorrect address that led to a pile of rubble.

Overview

• Planning commission approved recommending 18-month vesting extension for East Works District PUD from July 14, 2025 to January 14, 2027
• East Works District project includes 1,615 units, 605 hotel rooms, and 1 million square feet of non-residential space
• Century Court rezoning item deferred to June 26th meeting due to incorrect address in public notification mailer

East Works District PUD vesting extension

• Planning commission approved recommending 18-month vesting extension from July 14, 2025 until January 14, 2027
• Project located north of Meridian Boulevard and west of Carruthers Parkway at 9009 Carruthers Parkway
• Development plan originally approved by Board of Mayor and Aldermen on July 14, 2020
• Project scope includes 1,615 units, 9 townhomes, 1 million square feet of existing and proposed non-residential space, and 605 hotel rooms
• Buildings range from 1 to 12 stories with 7 modifications of standards approved
• Project already received first 3-year vesting extension period
• Applicant submitted site plan for first section approved on August 2023 administrative agenda
• Two site plans for off-site roadway improvements on Carruthers Parkway at Mayfield Drive approved on February 2023 administrative agenda
• Kyle McGavin represented the applicant and requested the extension to secure permits and commence site preparation
• Staff noted current plan generally complies with today's zoning ordinance with only minor differences from vested ordinance 1230, 2019

Century Court rezoning deferral

• Item deferred to June 26th meeting due to mistake in public notification letter
• Staff discovered the address given in notification letter is now the location of a pile of rubble
• Rezoning proposal covers 19.43 acres from Civic Institutional CI District to Heavy Industrial HI District
• Property located north of Century Court and west of Beasley Drive at 408 Century Court
• New notices will be resent with correct address for June 26th meeting

Next Week

Go here to see what's coming next week

These are all public meetings and anyone can attend.

Election Commission

Monday May 19th

The Williamson County Election Commission Agenda Audio

AI Summary

Action Items

• [ ] Participant 2 - Schedule performance audit for Brentwood Municipal Election Schedule the performance audit for the May 6, 2025 City of Brentwood Municipal Election between June 24-27, 2025, after consulting with Chair Duda.
• [ ] Participant 1 - Email availability for performance audit Email availability for the Brentwood Municipal Election performance audit during the week of June 24-27, 2025 to Administrator Gray and Chair Duda.

Overview

• Commission certified the results of the May 6, 2025 Brentwood Municipal Election with 8,253 ballots cast and approximately 23% turnout
• League of Women Voters reported successful election operations with minimal wait times and professional poll workers during the Brentwood election
• Commission scheduled performance audit meeting for the week of June 24-27, 2025 to review election documentation
• Speakers raised concerns about Executive Order 14248 and the SAVE Act legislation's potential impacts on election administration
• Franklin Municipal Election qualifying deadline set for July 17, 2025 with election day on October 28, 2025

League of Women Voters election observer report

• Cynthia Marconte, interim president of League of Women Voters for Williamson County, presented observer report from Brentwood Commission election
• Observers reported short lines with less than 5-minute wait times at polling locations
• Poll workers were described as professional, friendly, and going "above and beyond" to help voters
• League noted minor issues with door opener at Brentwood Library
• League recommended releasing registration deadline information for upcoming Franklin Municipal Election soon after candidate qualifying deadline

SAVE Act legislation information

• Dorinda Carlisle Smith from League of Women Voters presented concerns about the SAVE Act currently before the Senate
• Act would amend National Voter Registration Act of 1993 to require proof of U.S. citizenship for federal election voter registration
• League raised concerns about impact on existing voters, particularly those changing addresses who would need to provide citizenship documentation in person
• Smith highlighted the act only provides 30 days to establish implementation programs with no funding for state or local implementation
• League noted the act allows private legal action specifically against election officials who make mistakes under the Act

Executive Order 14248 concerns

• Sharon Spigel raised questions about Executive Order 14248 signed by President Trump on March 25, 2025 titled "Preserving and Protecting the Integrity of America's Election"
• Order requires Election Assistance Commission to amend Voluntary Voting System Guidelines 2.0 to prohibit barcodes/QR codes in vote counting except for disability accommodation
• Order mandates review and potential recertification of voting systems within 180 days
• Spiegel questioned how commission would comply with order since it potentially makes their recently purchased ES&S system obsolete
• Spiegel referenced Section 6 concerns about preventing non-citizens from accessing election equipment and foreign-made components in election systems

Certification of Brentwood Municipal Election results

• Commission certified results from the May 6, 2025 City of Brentwood Municipal Election
• Administrator Gray reported approximately 23% turnout with 8,253 ballots cast
• Commissioners signed the two-page results document
• Commission discussed scheduling a performance audit as required by state legislation
• Administrator Gray noted the audit would likely take less than an hour to complete

Upcoming events and election updates

• Franklin City Election scheduled for October 28, 2025 with qualifying deadline on July 17, 2025
• Four incumbents picked up petitions on May 19, 2025
• Election Commission invited to participate in Juneteenth festival on June 19, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM by African American Heritage Society
• County budget committee passed Election Commission budget, with final commission approval expected on June 20, 2025
• Administrator Gray mentioned May 19, 2025 was the first day to pick up petitions for Franklin Board of Alderman election

Sharon Spigel's letter to our secretary of state.

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.
• TruthWire News covers a broad spectrum of political and governmental issues, from the actions of your local school board and county commissioners to the machinations of city councils and state government officials.
• Tennessee Voters for Election Integrity is helping restore confidence in Tennessee Elections.
• 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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