My Comment

We're up to the fourth installment of selected proverbs that admonish us on how we should speak to each other. I hope you are finding these chapters useful and encouraging. practicing the advice in proverbs is like is like practicing anything else, over time, we get better at it. Chapter Four

My resolution 1-26-28 to create a task force to study the coming need to move to paid firefighters in the unincorporated areas of the county was discussed at Monday's Budget Committee meeting and, after careful consideration, I pulled it so that I will have time to make some needed amendments. More details in the report below on the budget committee.

My Resolution 1-26-29 to give the county commission more say in annexing by the municipalities was recommended by unanimous vote in the Tax Study Committee with the proviso that several amendments be attached. Those amendments are being written as I write this. The amended resolution will be on the agenda for the county commission meeting on Monday.

Update on filings for county offices here. Update on filings for state office here

One of the sites I have listed in community resources is Truth Wire. If you go there, you will find a recent series of articles about voting machines that is worth reading. There are always two sides to every issue and I think these articles raise legitimate questions. As usual, decide for yourself.

Meetings this past week

Monday, January 5th

Budget committee

Tuesday, January 6th

Parks and Rec. Committee and SSDS Task Force

Wednesday, January 7th

Williamson County Highway Commission and Tax Study Committee

Thursday, January 8th

Williamson County Planning Commission and Public health Committee

Friday, January 9th

SSDS Task Force

Meetings next week

Monday, January 12th

Williamson County Commission will meet at 6:00 pm in the Auditorium of the County Building at 1320 W. Main, Franklin. Agenda/Packet Video

Tuesday, January 13th

BOMA Work Session and BOMA Meeting. Will meet in the Auditorium of the County Building at 1320 W. Main, Franklin. Go here for details.

Thursday, January 15th

Purchasing and Insurance will meet at 5:30 pm in the Executive Conference Room of the Williamson County Administrative Complex at 1320 W. main, Franklin. I have no more information. Committee members: Sean Aiello, Meghan Guffee, Gregg Lawrence, Steve Smith, Mayor Anderson

Thursday, January 15th

Williamson County School Board will meet at 6:00 pm in the Professional Development Center located at 1761 West Main Street, Franklin. Agenda Video

Enjoying Friday Recap? Take a minute now and forward it to 3 people. Copy this https://friday-recap.ghost.io/ghost/#/editor/post/680aad97ab206e0001e15b3f in your email.

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

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

Williamson County School District

Thursday, January 15th

Williamson County School Board will meet at 6:00 pm in the Professional Development Center located at 1761 West Main Street, Franklin. Agenda Video

Williamson County Commission

Monday, January 5th

Budget committee Agenda Resolutions Transfers Video Committee members: Chas Morton (C), Guy Carden, Betsy Hester, Paul Web, Mayor Anderson. Commissioner Morton was absent.

AI Summary

Overview

• Committee approved $900,000 for hospital transaction legal counsel through remainder of fiscal year ($150,000 per month for 6 months)
• Legal counsel Jesse provided hospital transaction update: County Commission will decide whether transaction proceeds, hospital provided evaluation criteria, county can add criteria based on community priorities, and county will develop community covenants (keeping hospital name, Medicare/Medicaid participation, EMS services, charity care standards, employee protections)
• Commissioner Petty pulled emergency services task force proposal after extensive discussion about timing, scope, and need to separate fire service study from ambulance service review
• Sheriff special duty work program approved, bringing extra duty jobs in-house through county payroll instead of 1099 contractor model, improving liability coverage and tax withholding for deputies
• Ambulance service bills approximately $27-28 million annually but collects only $8-9 million due to restrictive federal reimbursement rates
• Committee approved 11 resolutions and 2 budget transfers covering Public Safety, Parks & Rec, Animal Center, emergency management, and interlocal agreements

Public Safety budget transfers

• Committee approved transferring $50,000 into maintenance and repair for service vehicles from maintenance agreements ($30,000), electricity ($15,000), and water/sewer ($5,000)
• Committee approved transferring $24,500 into other equipment from uniforms ($10,000) and operating leases ($14,500)
• Connor Scott explained vehicle maintenance for heavy fire apparatus is the biggest budget draw, with single repairs costing $20,000
• Department modified uniform policy to order fewer uniforms and redirect funds to equipment needs

ARPA administrative cost transfers

• Phoebe requested transferring $1,037.94 between major categories from salary lines into state retirement plan
• Transfer covers administrative costs for ARPA funds originally allocated and approved in fiscal year 2021-22
• Paul abstained from vote due to his role as ARPA accountant

Parks and Recreation appropriations

• Committee approved $64,402.50 appropriation from community youth association donations
• Committee approved $170,000 appropriation from Performing Arts Center participation fees

Animal Center donations and repairs

• Committee approved $19,500 appropriation from general donations
• Committee accepted donation of incubators valued at $3,810 from Friends of Williamson County Animal Center to provide care for neonatal kittens in foster care
• Committee approved $10,000 appropriation from unappropriated county general funds for busted water pipe leak and irrigation repairs
• Committee accepted donation of 20 walkie-talkies valued at approximately $2,200 from Rocky Talkie company

Emergency management TEMA reimbursement

• Committee approved $4,966.87 appropriation for overtime, supplies, and vehicle maintenance from Tennessee Emergency Management Agency reimbursement
• Reimbursement covers emergency management assistance provided in North Carolina

Opioid abatement funds allocation

• Committee approved $64,600 appropriation from opioid abatement funds (corrected from $64,000 shown in initial resolution)
• Funds pay MTSU to administer grant process and award system for another year
• Commission approved MTSU contract in May 2025
• Opioid funds can only be spent for opiate-related issues

Hospital transaction legal counsel budget

• Committee approved $900,000 amendment to county attorney budget for Foley and Lardner legal counsel through remainder of fiscal year
• Budget based on $150,000 per month estimate for 6 months
• Any unspent funds return to county general fund balance
• Jesse recommended professional fees including attorneys and accountants be reimbursed from transaction proceeds if sale occurs
• County Commission sets compensation for counsel by statute, mayor engages counsel

Hospital transaction update

• Jesse reported regular meetings with hospital counsel to keep County Commission updated and integrate feedback
• Hospital provided criteria used to evaluate potential partners, county can add criteria based on community priorities and values
• County will provide hospital with list of specific issues important to evaluation (EMS service plans, inmate care arrangements) at appropriate stage in RFP process
• County Commission's key responsibility is developing community covenants for transaction documents, including keeping hospital name, Medicare/Medicaid participation, maintaining EMS services, charity care standards, and employee protections
• Jesse invited suggestions for community covenants with suggested deadline of January 21, 2026
• County Commission will ultimately decide whether transaction is pursued

Five-year capital improvements program

• Committee approved five-year capital improvements program for schools, roads, fire protection, and recreation
• Program required annually as part of privilege tax private act that allows county to charge fees to builders
• Law enforcement committee voted 0-3 and chose not to vote due to lack of supporting documentation

Fire service interlocal agreements

• Committee approved interlocal agreement with Town of Nolensville for reimbursement of software license costs
• Nolensville requested functionality built into county's computer aided dispatch system that county didn't need, Nolensville agreed to pay for the addition
• Software writes script to send radio channel information to Nolensville's smartphone alerting app
• Committee approved interlocal agreement with City of Franklin for fire fighting and emergency response services on I-65 north of 840 and below Ag Center exit
• Franklin will cover county area they can reach more quickly at no cost to county
• Agreement previously stalled when confused with paid coverage interlocals for Fairview and Nolensville

Sheriff special duty work program

• Committee approved master service agreement with Power Details to manage special duty work by sheriff's deputies
• Program brings extra duty jobs in-house through county payroll instead of current 1099 contractor model with National Security Solutions
• Deputies will have taxes withheld on front end instead of paying at year end
• County will bill customers for administrative costs, uniform costs, and police car costs
• Power Details earns revenue through percentage added to customer cost
• Extra duty work will not count toward deputies' TCRS retirement high five per FLSA exception, but will increase Social Security wages
• Change improves liability coverage after current vendor refused to cover deputy injured in traffic accident while returning from extra duty job
• Lisa Carson, Phoebe, Jim Rule, and Sergeant Drell Floyd led project development

Sheriff surplus weapons and fingerprint equipment

• Committee approved declaring 2 county-owned weapons surplus that were missed on previous disposal request
• Committee approved equipment rental agreement with Diverse Computing Inc. for fingerprint machine in courthouse
• Machine allows people with certain charges to be fingerprinted at courthouse instead of coming to jail secure facility
• Judges can send people from courtroom to fingerprint machine before court date
• Change creates efficiency for jail staff who also handle intakes, releases, and county court processes
• Equipment rental is below Comptroller's office threshold for additional standards

Fairview Ballpark property transfer

• Committee approved conveying county interest in Fairview Ballpark property to City of Fairview
• County took over property from Lions Club in mid-1990s when Fairview and Lions Club couldn't maintain it
• Fairview resident wants to donate money for ballpark improvements through city
• Agreement will include reimbursement to county for ball field lights expenditure made approximately 3 years ago
• County protected cell tower interests in property transfer

Congressional office lease

• Committee approved lease agreement with U.S. Congressman Matthew Van Eps
• New lease needed after Congressman Green stepped down and Van Eps became congressman for area
• Van Eps will have office in county courthouse

Grant electronic signature policy

• Committee approved electronic signature policy for county grant contracts only
• Policy allows quick turnaround for federal grant signatures as agencies push for electronic processes
• Policy does not apply to other county contracts

Emergency services task force proposal

• Commissioner Petty proposed creating task force to study current and future ambulance service and fire protection needs
• Proposal requested report and recommendations by May 1, 2026 covering conversion of volunteers to paid firefighters, apparatus acquisition, station construction, ambulance contract rates and billing, EMS staffing contract, and cost-sharing with Spring Hill
• Petty cited county population growth from 81,000 in 1990 to over 270,000 now, approaching 300,000, and difficulty recruiting and retaining volunteer firefighters
• Mayor and commissioners raised concerns about aggressive 5-month timeline, noting previous task force took 14 months
• Connor Scott noted complications from pending TASER statewide EMS funding study, CTAS fire service staffing study, and hospital sale uncertainty
• Mike Wallace explained ambulance billing review has taken 1 year so far with 3-4 companies interviewed
• Paul Webb suggested separating fire service study from ambulance review, reducing number of fire chiefs on task force to avoid bias, and excluding Spring Hill city administrator
• Petty pulled resolution to revise based on feedback and bring back in February 2026
• Mayor explained county is responsible for ambulance service, cities getting nervous about potential requirement to provide their own service, and statewide discussion about funding models
• Ambulance service bills approximately $27-28 million annually but collects only $8-9 million due to restrictive federal reimbursement rates (Medicare pays approximately 33% of charges)
• Franklin city limits account for close to 50% of ambulance service costs
• Spring Hill ambulance service contract expires June 2026
• Williamson Medical EMS staffing contract also coming up for renewal

Tuesday, January 6th

The Parks and Rec. Committee Agenda/Resolutions Video Committee members: Drew Torres (C), Mary Smith (VC), Lisa Hayes, Gregg Lawrence, Meghan Guffee, Sean Aiello. Commissioner Guffee was absent.

AI Summary

Action Items

• [ ] Commissioner Mary Smith- Call Bobby in the morning Discuss sponsoring a resolution regarding state Safe Stars Act requirements and their impact on volunteer youth sports organizations.
• [ ] Gordon - Send financial info to Commissioner Hayes Annual operational costs for Fairview Ballpark (approximately $50,000/year for maintenance, lights, mowing). Same information previously sent to Commissioner Jones.

Overview

• Committee approved $64,402.50 in donations and $170,000 in participant fee revenues for Parks and Rec budget amendments
• Approved five-year capital improvement program including York property lake park project (estimated $1.5M-$2.5M for dam construction on 100-acre property valued over $10M)
• Approved transferring Fairview Ballpark to City of Fairview with ~$150,000 reimbursement for recent light upgrades, saving county ~$50,000 annually in maintenance costs
• Major discussion on new facility use contracts implementing Tennessee Safe Stars Act—small volunteer youth sports organizations raised concerns about increased liability burden and administrative requirements on volunteers
• Committee agreed to explore state-level resolution to address Safe Stars Act's unintended consequences for small volunteer organizations and work on county-level policy framework before next year's contracts

Soccer association facility concerns

• Jim Deck (VP of officials, Williamson County Soccer Association) asked how to get dilapidated buildings with holes, non-working HVACs, and questionable plumbing on agenda for repairs
• Soccer Association serves roughly 6,000 kids per season in outdoor programs and another 4,000 in indoor across three indoor seasons
• Facilities located at soccer complex on Downs Boulevard at intersection of Boyd Mill and Downs
• Association hosts two major tournaments that bring revenue to county and City of Franklin
• Jackie Picard (Soccer Association) also attended to learn how the process works and how to give back to community

Budget amendments for donations and fees

• Committee approved resolution appropriating $64,402.50 in revenues from donations and association fees
• Funds include $1,000 towards performing arts and $600 for programs at Peacock Hill Nature Park
• Committee approved resolution appropriating $170,000 in participant fees from theater program at Performing Arts Center at Academy Park campus
• $170,000 represents reimbursements to renters who put on productions—county handles ticketing and keeps percentage while reimbursing renters for their ticket sales portion
• County's portion goes into general fund balance

Five year capital improvement program

• Committee approved annual five-year capital improvement program report for schools, roads, fire protection, and recreation
• Report is required annually as result of receiving privilege tax money from impact fees charged to developers
• Gordon clarified this is reporting mechanism, not funding mechanism—no obligation to fund projects listed
• Bending Chestnut Park planning includes $350,000 for staff, utilities, lawn products, and advertising to develop historic village concept
• Property has significant water features and history as former City of Franklin drinking water source
• Mayor wants direction established for property before leaving office

York property lake park project

• Doctor York working to donate 100 acres on Highway 96 near county line between Haley and Hawkins roads
• Project includes building dam to create 12-20 acre recreational lake for public fishing—would be only public recreational lake in Williamson County
• TDEC approved permit, now awaiting US Army Corps of Engineers approval which could take several more months
• Estimated dam construction cost $1.5M-$2.5M—county will reimburse Doctor York for actual dam construction costs only upon completion
• Property currently valued over $10M
• Doctor York has $2.5M in Friends of Parks Trust (from original property seller) plus dam reimbursement funds to invest in park infrastructure development
• Mitigation costs being negotiated with Corps of Engineers—optimistic that mitigation can happen on-site versus buying credits on open market
• Doctor York actively negotiating with adjacent landowners for first right of refusal to expand park to 200-300 acres
• Geotech studies still needed to confirm soil suitability—dam depth could be 16-30 feet
• Project unlikely to complete in current budget cycle beginning July 1, 2026
• County is co-permittee on project and has memorandum of understanding with Doctor York
• Primary use will be fishing, paddlecraft use not yet determined pending Corps input
• Will be nature park similar to Timberland and Peacock Hill

Fairview Ballpark property transfer

• Committee approved resolution to convey Fairview Ballpark property to City of Fairview
• Property originally purchased by Fairview in early 1970s through federal grant with use restrictions
• Tower built on property violated federal grant conditions—county spent three years working with federal government on conversion process to resolve violation
• Resolution required 0.1 acre from adjacent Fairview Lions Club property to satisfy federal requirements
• County entered long-term lease with Lions Club for entrance access and agreed to maintain it
• City of Fairview requested property back after private individual offered donation for improvements
• County negotiating reimbursement of approximately $150,000 for recent light upgrades
• Lights were split cost—county paid half from fund balance, Fairview paid half to move to front of replacement list for tournament
• County spends approximately $50,000 annually on maintenance, utilities, and mowing at facility
• Transfer removes this operational cost from county budget
• City of Fairview has not yet approved transfer internally
• Transfer conditioned on maintaining existing lease agreement with Lions Club

Safe Stars Act and facility use contracts

• Tennessee Safe Stars Act requires youth athletic organizations using county property to meet safety criteria including CPR/AED trained person present at all activities
• Parks notified organizations in April 2025 about Safe Stars requirements and held informational meeting
• County attorneys provided new facility use contracts in August 2025—contracts expanded from 3 pages to 12 pages
• Three organizations (East Williamson Athletics, College Grove Athletics, Bethesda) raised concerns about contract burden on small volunteer organizations
• Sarah (county attorney) met with organizations in September 2025 to discuss concerns and has been negotiating revisions since
• College Grove Athletics and Bethesda signed agreements, EWA indicated they will sign latest revision
• Contract initially presented as "non-negotiable" in November 2025 which created tension with organizations
• Organizations received revised contract language right before Christmas 2025 addressing some concerns

Youth sports organization liability concerns

• Angela Walsh (College Grove Athletics) expressed disappointment that contract doesn't reflect how smaller volunteer organizations actually work with county since 1993
• Organizations raised fees by 25% for some programs to cover increased administrative costs
• Charles McConnell (EWA) stated contract places tremendous burden on 100% volunteer organizations with only hundreds of participants versus larger organizations with thousands
• EWA spent approximately 100 hours in past month making adjustments to respond to contract requirements
• Organizations concerned about personal liability risk for volunteers including damage to facilities caused by non-participants
• Contract requires organizations to develop policies, plans, and procedures addressing safety and train all volunteers
• Organizations lack legal representation to negotiate and feel disadvantaged
• Jonathan (EWA baseball director) stated contract makes volunteers want to stop participating
• Organizations provide scholarships to kids and serve as heart of young athlete communities
• Commissioner Murphy emphasized need to support small volunteer organizations and create policy framework that doesn't stifle them out
• Commissioner Murphy noted Safe Stars law lacks body of case law or agency rule-making for interpretation
• Commissioner Smith proposed exploring state-level resolution to address unintended consequences since General Assembly session starting soon
• Bobby (county attorney) suggested resolution could request exemptions for small organizations (example: under 300 participants)
• EWA noted City of Franklin has no knowledge of Safe Stars Act requirements, questioning how other Tennessee governments are implementing law
• Gordon committed to open dialogue—Parks holds annual spring meetings with all associations for 30 years plus pre-season meetings for each sport
• Gordon proposed letting contracts go into effect this year, gathering feedback on hardships, and reconsidering in one year
• Committee agreed to work on resolution for state legislature and county-level policy framework before next year's contracts
• Organizations need to finalize contracts soon to proceed with registration, uniform ordering, and season preparation

Tuesday, January 6th

SSDS Task Force Agenda audio

AI Summary

Overview

• Public comment session for task force reviewing Williamson County septic system regulations with report due April 1st
• Multiple residents described excessive costs ranging from $30k-$35k initial estimates growing to $60k-$90k final costs, with one resident spending $20k just on survey and soil scientist costs
• Approval timelines ranged from 14 months to 2.5 years according to residents who spoke
• Commissioner Petty reported recent improvements: backlog reduced from 88 cases 3 years ago to 1 currently, hired 2 new staff, created pre-app program, eliminated Section 2K allowing 50% additions without review
• Task force will meet every other week starting on the 9th to review regulations

Process and communication problems

• Participant 1 described staff refusing to answer questions about what was allowed on her property and requiring house plans before providing any guidance
• Staff member snatched file from another employee and said project "wasn't happening"
• Surveyors were required to make appointments to ask questions, preventing construction professionals from coming in during rainy days when they lose money
• Doug York noted poor record-keeping and lack of electronic records adoption
• Doug York discovered a septic system he installed 21 years ago was never formally approved because paperwork was never finalized
• Glenn Moody found no tracking portal to see where applications are in the process and described county office as unhelpful
• Glenn Moody noted TDEC implemented GIS system cutting average permit time to under 13 days in other Tennessee counties

Excessive septic system costs

• Participant 5's costs escalated from $30k-$35k initial estimate to $60k, then $85k-$90k with curtain drain at $25 per foot for 900 feet
• Doug York was told to abandon working conventional system and spend $60k for new septic system to add 2 bedrooms to house he was selling, after already spending over $20k on survey and soil scientist costs
• Glenn Moody is $10k in after one county visit, one surveyor visit, and hiring Mike, expecting total costs of $50k-$60k
• Deanne Smith mentioned neighbor needing bigger tank to add one bedroom for mother-in-law with Alzheimer's went through 3 years of approvals before mother-in-law died

Long approval timelines

• Doug York had three projects taking 2.5 years, 2 years and 3 months, and 14 months respectively to get approved
• Participant 5 has been in process for nearly 1 year and hopes to get permit this week
• Glenn Moody's surveyor reported 18-month timeline for building house
• Deanne Smith's neighbor spent 3 years dealing with department to add one bedroom

Recent department improvements

• Commissioner Petty reported backlog reduced from 88 cases 3 years ago to 1 currently
• Department hired 2 new people to approve plans instead of just one person
• Created pre-app program where staff sits down with applicants to review requirements before submission
• Pre-app program recently saved someone thousands of dollars by catching that field lines were in back of house, not front as shown on as-built, before architect drew addition plans
• Eliminated Section 2K in last couple of years, now allowing 50% additions to homes without septic system review
• Jonathan Stewart and Kai Evers identified as recent staff members interested in helping citizens. Alan Brawner and Tom Faulkie should also be recognized.

Limited septic system options

• Glenn Moody noted Williamson County has only 2 septic system options while other Tennessee counties allow 13 different options
• Multiple speakers mentioned only Mike Harbarger willing to work on Williamson County septic systems
• Glenn Moody called every soil scientist within driving distance and all said Mike Harbarger is the only one who can handle Williamson County requirements
• County recently added drip system as option after Glenn Moody's lot didn't perk for conventional system

Wednesday, January 7th

Williamson County Highway Commission Agenda. I missed this meeting and have no further information.

Wednesday, January 7th

Tax Study Committee Resolution Resolution Video Committee members: Lisa Hayes(C), Gregg Lawrence (VC), Drew Torres, Mary Smith, Steve Smith

AI Summary

Action Items

• [ ] Kristi Ransom - Draft and circulate resolution amendments Amendments to Resolution 1-26-29 addressing non-contiguous annexation, county representation, and plan of services. Send to Bobby and Mike for review before Monday's meeting.

Overview

• Committee approved Resolution 1-26-29 as amended, requesting state legislation changes to annexation and growth management laws
• Kristi Ransom will draft specific amendments by Monday, January 12th, focusing on repealing non-contiguous annexation, increasing county representation on coordinating committees, requiring more detailed impact studies, and improving UGB notification requirements
• Current resolution is too broad and contains technical errors—would repeal more than intended including economic development councils and city incorporation provisions
• Three citizens urged support for the resolution, citing concerns about municipal growth straining county infrastructure, roads, schools, and emergency services without adequate county input
• Bills must be filed by January 30th, creating urgency to get resolution to state delegation

Citizen comments on annexation impacts

• Kathy Marlin requested commissioners vote yes on Resolution 1-26-29 to require municipalities provide financial impact statements before annexing property
• Marlin argued rapid expansion strains infrastructure including roads, sewers, drinking water, wildlife habitats, and slows emergency services response time
• Jane Sadler emphasized municipalities are expanding urban growth boundaries and zoning areas, creating undue hardship on county residents who have no representation in municipal decisions
• Sadler graduated from Page High School in 1984 and remained in the county, expressing concern about preserving Williamson County's value and traditions
• Sadler questioned whether municipalities can actually support the growth they're approving
• Janet Curtis stated county residents are being taxed without representation as cities expand UGBs and approve high-density development
• Curtis noted cities don't pay their fair share of costs that fall on county residents

Legal analysis of resolution draft

• Kristi Ransom identified technical problems with the resolution including incorrect public chapter references
• Public Chapter 1101 is much broader than just growth plan law—also addresses economic development councils and city incorporation
• Repealing the entire public chapter would eliminate more than intended, including planning and cooperation requirements between cities and counties
• Kristi recommended focusing on specific statutory sections rather than broad repeal of 1101
• Resolution needs to specify exact policy changes requested: non-contiguous annexation rules, plan of services detail requirements, coordinating committee composition
• Kristi noted the growth plan law created cooperation that didn't exist before—previously cities annexed "out of fear" in a "wild west" environment
• Planning and economic development aspects of current law are working well and shouldn't be eliminated

Non-contiguous annexation concerns

• Non-contiguous annexation was originally only for Williamson County when first added to Tennessee code
• Legislature expanded it statewide in 2017
• Commissioner raised concern about non-contiguous annexation creating "pockets" and "islands" that pit county against municipalities
• Non-contiguous annexation allows properties to be annexed even when not directly adjacent to city limits
• Commissioner Lawrence described how Franklin annexed 750 acres that weren't truly contiguous by stacking properties behind each other
• Annexation referendums often involve only the farmer and spouse voting, with no vote for surrounding property owners
• Commissioner requested repeal of non-contiguous annexation as top priority

Coordinating committee representation

• Tennessee code specifies only 2 county commissioners serve on coordinating committee while municipalities have 16+ votes
• Commissioner Hayes expressed frustration that county commissioners are significantly outnumbered and cannot effectively represent constituents
• Hayes recalled coordinating committee meetings where one commissioner was "okay with whatever" and only one was "a fighter"
• A bill previously attempted to change committee composition but failed to get out of committee
• Commissioners want increased county representation on coordinating committee as key amendment

Development impact studies and transparency

• Commissioner Steve Smith noted the resolution doesn't specifically request impact studies on county services, which is what citizens are asking for
• Commissioner clarified the proposed state bill does include language about impact studies
• Commissioner Torres asked whether cities currently provide 5-year pro forma impact analysis for annexations and IDDs
• He recalled education committee discussion where Jason noted Franklin looks at "doors" to plan for students, but data shows doors don't reliably predict actual student population
• Commissioner emphasized need to understand full impact on county budget including revenue and expenses before development approval
• Concern raised that growth isn't paying for itself and transparency is needed to show true fiscal impact
• Commissioner noted impact studies at annexation stage are hypothetical since zoning plans aren't concrete yet
• Real need is for impact analysis when development goes through any planning department, not just at annexation
• Goal is "truth in taxation" and ensuring no taxation without representation

State limitations on local government authority

• Kristi explained the legislature has increasingly removed or limited local government authority to require developer exactions over the last 10-15 years
• State has simultaneously constrained local government's ability to raise revenue while limiting what can be required of developers
• Local governments now have very limited flexibility on road improvement exactions and other requirements
• Statutes make it "very difficult" to say no to developments or require improvements
• Cities face the same state-imposed limitations as counties on what they can require from developers
• Kristi noted this is a larger issue beyond what the resolution can solve but important context for discussions with state legislators

UGB notification and opt-out process

• Major complaint from residents: UGB inclusion was only published in newspaper, no direct mail notification sent
• Residents in unincorporated areas near Carter's Creek Park and Bear Creek were upset they didn't receive letters about UGB changes
• Some cities sent individual letters but it wasn't required—notification requirements vary by municipality
• Commissioner wants people in UGB to have ability to request removal, similar to how people can request annexation
• Concern that UGB residents feel decisions are made by elected officials they cannot vote for
• Kristi explained there is currently a mechanism for property owners to request UGB removal through coordinating committee revision process
• Committee only convenes when triggered by specific reasons, not on regular schedule
• Current interlocal agreement prohibits cities from annexing outside UGB except for specific economic development projects
• UGB will be revisited in 5 years (around 2029-2030) rather than sitting unchanged for 20 years like the previous plan
• Drew questioned whether 5 years is the right timeframe or if 3 years would be better given county growth dynamics
• Kristi and Mike Matteson explained 5 years is appropriate from planning horizon perspective—shorter timeframes don't capture enough change in population growth and infrastructure to justify the heavy lift of reconvening

Amendment process

• Commissioner Petty acknowledged this is new to him and he's learning, wanted to start the conversation
• Committee cannot work on amendments via email due to Open Meetings Act
• Bobby advised commissioners to respond directly to Kristi with feedback, not reply-all to avoid violating Open Meetings Act
• Kristi will draft amendments over the weekend and circulate to commissioners for individual feedback
• Amendments can be made on the floor Monday night at full commission meeting
• If changes are too material and change the whole resolution, a new resolution would be required
• Committee approved the resolution as amended, allowing Kristi to draft specific language
• Focus areas for amendments: non-contiguous annexation repeal, coordinating committee representation, plan of services detail including school impacts, improved notification requirements
• Commissioner Lawrence noted Clovercroft Road example where Franklin approved Poplar Farms development with 500 units despite studies showing road is substandard and would cost $50 million to bring to acceptable standard
• Herbert argued county needs "some type of veto" when municipalities make decisions that impact county infrastructure
• Spring Hill put properties in UGB despite resident opposition, forcing committee to vote yes or send to 3-judge arbitration panel

Thursday, January 8th

Williamson County Planning Commission will meet at 5;30 pm in the auditorium in the County Building at 1320 W. Main, Franklin. Agenda/Packet Video

AI Summary

Overview

• Commission approved removing emergency-only restriction on gate between Kings Chapel and High Park Hill phases 5-6, allowing full resident access through Majestic Meadows Drive (7-2 vote)
• High Park Hill phases 5-6 HOA will assume all maintenance costs for Majestic Meadows Drive from relocated gate to Murfreesboro Road, relieving Kings Chapel and High Park Hill phases 1-4 of financial burden
• Developer committed to install fence, walking trails, sidewalks, repave main Kings Chapel entrance road, and provide debt relief as conditions of approval
• Commission denied Clovercroft Estates 40-lot concept plan 7-3 despite deferral request due to lack of approved wastewater treatment plan and slopes exceeding 25% on at least 8 lots
• Terra Vista drainage work progressing with slope repairs starting in next week or two

Terra Vista Road project update

• Brent Thaney reported majority of RDE checklist items are complete for phase two
• Contractor Snell needs to touch up stone at outfalls and fill erosion spot with material from slope repairs
• Wastewater road essentially done except waiting for engineer and county to determine final road base material
• Two slope area repairs starting in next week or two pending final estimate expected tomorrow or next week
• Staff noted crusher run material is washing and asked engineer for additional stabilization information

Kings Chapel gate access and road sharing proposal

• Commission approved 7-2 to remove emergency-only restriction, allowing High Park Hill phases 5-6 residents full access to Majestic Meadows Drive
• Kings Chapel contains 449 homes with 175 homes currently using Majestic Meadows gate
• Developer Greg Davis will relocate existing Kings Chapel gate approximately 800 feet north on Majestic Meadows, preventing traffic between the two communities
• High Park Hill phases 5-6 HOA will maintain Majestic Meadows Drive from relocated gate to Murfreesboro Road and maintain landscaping along the road
• Traffic engineer Gillian Fischbach concluded connectivity to Majestic Meadows Drive is appropriate to adequately distribute traffic and limit impact on High Park Hill residents
• Peak hour trips from phases 5-6 total about 60 cars during AM and PM peak hours
• Developer committed to install fence along open space, construct walking trail, repave main Kings Chapel entrance section, and relieve approximately $130,000 debt owed to John Powell estate
• Public comment revealed 27 residents signed up with mixed opinions—some citing safety concerns about children on narrow roads, others supporting traffic distribution benefits
• Resident Jeff Swingholm raised concerns about Murfreesboro Road intersection safety with cars traveling 55 miles per hour and limited turn lane capacity of 2 cars
• Majestic Meadows Drive is approximately 1,300 feet from Murfreesboro Road to current gate location

High Park Hill gate access and maintenance responsibilities

• Commission approved companion item with condition that High Park Hill phases 5-6 HOA specifically bears all costs for gates and road maintenance
• High Park Hill phases 1-4 contain 157 homes with 2 entrances on 45 mile per hour section of road
• High Park Hill phases 5-6 will add 78 homes accessed through Majestic Meadows Drive
• Residents from phases 1-4 clarified they have no access to Majestic Meadows gate and should not bear maintenance costs
• Florin Drive gate will separate phases 1-4 from phases 5-6, with phases 5-6 having exclusive access to Majestic Meadows
• Multiple residents noted 25-30 kids under 14-15 years old on each of the two small streets (High Park Hill Drive and Ioana Drive) in phases 1-4
• Resident Cindy Jennings noted Ioana Drive is very narrow with no overnight parking allowed and residents must pull over to let cars pass
• Commission required documentation including CCRs, access easements, and maintenance agreements addressing liability and maintenance responsibilities

Clovercroft Estates concept plan denial

• Commission denied 7-3 despite attorney Joshua Denton's request for deferral to March 2026
• Proposed 40-lot conservation subdivision on 204.08 acres off Clovercroft Road
• Project planned to use Clovercroft Preserve nontraditional wastewater system, but revised site plan not submitted
• Clovercroft Preserve wastewater system approved for 120 lots but current development only has 95 lots—insufficient capacity for additional 40 lots
• At least 8 lots contain slopes exceeding 25% that must be located in open space
• Applicant set aside 4.33 acres for soils area but provided no capacity analysis
• Missing required detailed soils investigation report, design development report, draft state operating permit from TDEC, and certificate of convenience and necessity from TPUC
• Attorney Denton noted engagement letter signed January 9, 2026 and requested deferral due to communication breakdown with previous attorney who didn't actually represent applicant
• County Attorney Christy Ransom clarified denial means new application must meet updated zoning ordinance setback standards versus deferral allowing original standards

Bonterra Hilltop Pavilion amenities

• Commission approved site plan to add pavilion, fire pit, and walking trail on 42.04 acres of open space
• Amenities located in existing Bonterra subdivision off Meigs Road
• Walking trail will be pedestrian-only, not drive-accessible
• Project meets hilltop protection standards by disturbing less than 20% of hilltop with 80% preserved

Thursday, January 8th

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, Franklin Agenda/Resolutions Video* Committee members: Sean Aiello, David O’Neil, Chris Richards, Mary Smith, Barb Sturgeon

AI Summary

Overview

• Committee approved $29,500 in budget amendments for the Animal Center and accepted donations of 3 incubators and walkie talkies valued at $2,200
• Water leak in reclaimed waterline cost over $19,000 after leaking over 1 million gallons for 3+ months before detection—Animal Center received $14,000 relief on first two bills and is appealing the third
• All 4 resolutions passed unanimously
• Donations include $8,000 for veterinary services, $4,000 for wrapping the mobile adoption unit, and $7,500 in undesignated funds

Budget amendment for animal center donations

• Committee approved $19,500 budget amendment from donations for the 2025-26 fiscal year
• $8,000 donation from Commissioner Judy Hayes designated for veterinary services and spay neuter programs
• $4,000 in undesignated donations allocated to wrap the mobile adoption unit that the Enderleys donated in 2024
• Alpha Graphics will professionally wrap the unit with the Animal Center's logo and branding
• Remaining $7,500 in undesignated donations allocated where needed

Incubator donation and foster program

• Committee accepted donation of 3 incubators from Friends of Williamson County Animal Center
• Incubators control temperature and humidity for neonatal kittens who can't regulate their own body temperature
• Only senior-level fosters approved to use the incubators due to their $1,200-$1,500 value
• Foster program uses a tiered system (freshman, sophomore, junior, senior levels)
• Over 100 bottle baby kittens go into senior foster homes during kitten season, which runs late April through November
• Kittens stay with senior fosters for 2-3 weeks before graduating to junior-level fosters

Water leak and budget amendment

• Committee approved $10,000 budget amendment from unappropriated county general funds to cover water bills from the leak
• Reclaimed waterline leaked over 1 million gallons starting in August 2025 but wasn't detected until October 2025 because City of Franklin bills 3 months in arrears
• First bill was approximately $16,000, second was over $15,000, and third was around $10,000
• Animal Center received $14,000 total relief on the first two bills (approximately $6,800 per bill) through appeals
• City of Franklin only allows automatic appeals on 2 water bills—third bill requires BOMA approval and city administrator signature
• Leak stopped on October 15, 2025 when the line was winterized
• Animal Center pays water bills for the entire 38 acres including the Archives Building
• When irrigation restarts, the city will monitor meters as zones are turned on to isolate any remaining leaks before they run
• Normal monthly water bill is $1,000 when irrigation is off and $3,000-$4,000 when running

Walkie talkie donation

• Committee accepted donation of walkie talkies valued at approximately $2,200 from a volunteer who works for the company
• New walkie talkies are rugged models designed for mountain climbing with carabiner clips and backup straps to prevent shattering
• Staff uses walkie talkies for safety communication throughout the building and operational needs
• New units don't pick up random radio waves like the old ones, which would pick up neighborhood communications

Friday, January 9th

The SSDS Task Force met for three hours and went through four sections of their regulations which consists of 40 sections and 18 appendices. I records the full three hours and, unless you are a septic tank wonk, you would have a hard time following the discussion. They are doing a thorough job going through the whole manual, looking for ways to reduce unneeded regulations. They expect to be finished by April 1st at which time they will publish their findings. If you really want to see my entire summary, email me and I'll send it to you.

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. Starting on January 1, 2026, all county committee meetings will be recorded and posted on the county website.

Board of Mayor and Aldermen

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

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

• Grassroots Citizens of Williamson County 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.

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