Friday Recap November 13th 2026

My Comment

A Changing Culture in Williamson County Government

Every time a new administration takes office, it brings a different set of priorities and a new approach to governing. Mayor Marshall's administration is no exception. One of the most noticeable changes so far has been a renewed emphasis on communication and transparency.

We are already seeing that commitment reflected in several ways.

Commissioners now receive weekly updates from Chief of Staff Leisa Nieomotka. Every commissioner has been invited to meet individually with senior adviser Mike Peters to discuss the proposed hospital sale. Our County Commission Chairman is reaching out to each commissioner before our monthly meetings to hear concerns and discuss issues. And our school superintendent is providing important information to commissioners in advance of our meetings as well as sending out weekly updates, which helps us make better-informed decisions.

Mayor Marshall has also extended an offer to hire a new Information Manager, whose responsibility will be to improve communication not only with Williamson County residents but also among the various departments of county government.

What stands out to me is that we are receiving more information, from more sources, and in a more timely manner. Just as importantly, this commitment to better communication is being encouraged from the top down.

That represents a meaningful cultural shift in how our county government operates.

I am encouraged by these developments and look forward to seeing what our new Information Manager brings to the table. Better communication leads to greater transparency, more informed decision-making, and ultimately, greater accountability.

The residents of Williamson County have every right to know how their hard-earned tax dollars are being spent and how decisions affecting their community are made.

I appreciate Mayor Marshall and his administration for making communication a priority, and I fully support their efforts to create a more open, informed, and accountable county government. I realize that there is more to governance than communication, but keeping the public informed and hopefully engaged, is a good thing that leads to better accountability.

On the national scene

I don't normally comment on national politics, but the interview below is an exception that I think needs to be seen. It is an inside look at how Washington actually works. I will warn you, this is a Joe Rogan podcast so the F word is used more often than I would care to hear, but the content needs to be heard.

How the system works

Highlights from this week

Monday, November 9th

County Commission Meeting

Overview

• The commission deferred the Arrington Village zoning change to March 8th, 2027, 23-0 with Sanford recused, so staff can revisit density and the planning commission and public can weigh in again.
• The commission approved an intent to fund an $87 million Split Log middle school from education impact fees, 23-1
• The $100,000 superintendent search reallocation passed 17-7
• The commission passed the Spring Hill ambulance agreement for 18 months, 24-0, though Maury County's budget committee voted that night for only a six-month extension
• The county's self-insurance fund needed $1,205,000 from fund balance, and more funding will likely be needed before the fiscal year ends
• Every appointment, late-filed item, and routine resolution passed

Tuesday, November 10th

Franklin BOMA Work Session

Overview

• The board didn't vote at this work session, but the Iron Horse 30-unit addition drew the most split views, with staff and Planning Commission both recommending disapproval
• Aldermen Barnhill and Burger and Participant 21 (a board member) all want Franklin Road built as five lanes, with construction starting 2035, while the Fire Department schedule analysis is still missing cost numbers
• Carothers Glen's vesting extension and Huffines Ridge both drew no board opposition, and the preservation plan is expected to be adopted with a motion directing staff toward a retooled Civil War Historic Commission
• Item 10 was deferred to December

Franklin BOMA Meeting

Overview

• The board deferred the Harpeth Village rezoning and development plan to December 8th so staff can bring back more traffic information, with the rezoning deferral passing 6-2
• Greg Caesar was elected vice mayor after a 4-4 tie that the mayor broke
• The board unanimously approved the Branch Creek Crossing rezoning and revised development plan, which replace an office building with 40 for-sale condos
• Heath Place residents asked the board to reconsider the proposed year-long Lewisburg Pike closure

Thursday, November 12th

Williamson County Planning Commission

Overview

• Staff proposed a data center zoning framework built on a site-specific Special Plan approval, with detailed ordinance language coming at the December meeting
• The commission approved the 2027 meeting schedule as presented and kept the December meeting after several members argued it's sometimes the last step before a project starts
• The commission approved the Ember Ridge East, Arrington Woods Lot 208 (with its fire hydrant variance) and Tributary Section 1 final plats
• Terra Vista's bond review was released until April

School Board Work Session

Overview

• The board votes Monday on the 2027-28 and 2028-29 calendars, the five-year capital plan, the fund amendments and resolutions, and the first and final reading of policies 3.2019 and 3.4001
• Dr. Webb recommended skipping second grade TCAP this year
• The superintendent evaluation tool and goals go back to January because the dates need revising
• The search firm's proposed faster timeline is on hold because board votes to narrow candidates must happen in open session, and the chair will bring back new dates
• Board members can send feedback on the social studies criteria checklist to Jennifer Sauer before the committee meets December 2nd, with no board parameters proposed so far
• The district is building a board data dashboard, with feedback wanted by winter break

Chief of Staff Leisa Niemotka's weekly report

This week brought continued work on County priorities, important regional discussions, and opportunities to recognize the people and organizations that make Williamson County special. A few updates and upcoming events to share. 

EMS | COMMISSION APPROVAL AND REGIONAL COORDINATION

Thank you to the Commission for approving the interlocal agreement addressing continued ambulance service to Spring Hill residents on the Maury County side.

Mayor Marshall and Senior Advisor Mike Peters also met with Franklin and Brentwood leadership to discuss EMS service expectations, response times, and the County’s commitment to providing high-quality emergency medical services throughout Williamson County. The discussions were candid and productive, with additional data to be shared and a follow-up meeting planned to include Ascension Saint Thomas.

CONTRACT MANAGEMENT | MODERNIZATION EFFORTS

The Mayor's Office, Finance, and Purchasing are moving forward with efforts to modernize the County's contract management technology and processes using funds previously approved by the Commission. The goal is to improve efficiency, strengthen contract oversight, and identify opportunities to reduce vendor costs.

ESSENTIAL WORKFORCE HOUSING | UPWARD COMMUNITIES

Work continues on the proposed essential workforce housing initiative in Fairview. Williamson County Schools Superintendent Dr. Leigh Webb has recorded a video introducing the concept and encouraging school employees to participate in a housing needs survey. Financial modeling and project feasibility work continue in coordination with UPWARD Communities. The initiative remains in the planning stages.

PUBLIC LIBRARY | JANUARY 2027 POLICY UPDATES

The Williamson County Public Library Board has approved several service and policy changes, including the discontinuation of Hoopla Digital on December 30, updated meeting-room requirements and fees, and changes to digital borrowing access for nonresidents, including a $25 annual Paid Neighbor Card.

 These changes are intended to support the long-term sustainability of library services and responsible use of taxpayer-funded resources. A one-page summary is attached for your reference.

REGIONAL LEADERSHIP AND COLLABORATION

• Williamson County Economic Development Council: Mayor Marshall and I participated in Monday's Economic Development Council meeting, joining municipal leaders and regional partners to share updates on economic development initiatives and priorities across Williamson County.
• Williamson, Inc. CEO Roundtable: Mayor Marshall joined Franklin Mayor Ken Moore, Brentwood Mayor Mark Andrews, and Spring Hill Mayor Jim Fitterer at Tuesday's roundtable hosted by Nashville International Airport. BNA President and Williamson County resident Doug Kreulen discussed continued airport growth and long-term expansion planning, including the significant role Williamson County residents play in Nashville air travel. The mayors shared updates and discussed common priorities involving infrastructure, schools, health and safety, and attainable workforce housing.
• Leadership Luncheon: Mayor Marshall was the guest speaker at a new leadership luncheon hosted by Julian Bibb and Franklin Mayor Ken Moore at Westhaven Club. The gathering provided an opportunity to discuss the administration's first 60 days with business and nonprofit community leaders

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• Veterans Day Parade: Mayor Marshall joined Commissioners Clifford, Williams, Floyd, Carden, and Todd, along with State Representatives McCalmon and Reeves, in celebrating and honoring our veterans.
• Merrill-Williams Heritage & Culture Center: Mayor Marshall presented a proclamation at Thursday's ribbon cutting and open house, celebrating more than four years of preservation efforts supported by generous donations and volunteers. Commissioner Tom Tunnicliffe also attended.
• Franklin High School Band: Mayor Marshall and Jan attended the band's final showcase of Message in a Bottle before the Bands of America Grand National Championships in Indianapolis. Congratulations to these talented students, and best wishes for a great performance!

ALTERNATIVE LEARNING CENTER | NOVEMBER 18 GROUNDBREAKING

Williamson County Schools invites Commissioners to the groundbreaking for the new Alternative Learning Center on Wednesday, November 18, at 1:00 p.m., 300 Beasley Drive, Franklin. The facility is part of the JJJ Campus development. 

WORKING GENIUS | NOVEMBER 23 REMINDER

The County Commission's Working Genius session with Pat Lencioni and The Table Group is Monday, November 23, at 5:30 p.m. in the Executive Conference Room. Please complete your assessment by Monday, November 16, to allow the facilitators time to prepare. Here is the link -> Complete your Working Genius assessment 

Congratulations to HR Director Clair Cochran, who recently earned her Working Genius Facilitator Certification! This will allow her to bring the program to County departments to strengthen team dynamics and collaboration. Clair is available to assist with any assessment questions.

INAUGURAL LEGISLATIVE BREAKFAST | DECEMBER 15

Please save the date for Williamson County's inaugural Legislative Breakfast on Tuesday, December 15, from 7:30–9:30 a.m. at the Williamson County Enrichment Center.

This will be an opportunity for Commissioners, Countywide Elected Officials, and Department Heads to engage with our state legislative delegation, strengthen relationships, and discuss legislative matters affecting Williamson County. Additional program details will follow.

UPCOMING MEETINGS | NOVEMBER 16–23

Committee meetings are held when there is business to consider. Please watch for meeting confirmations or cancellation notices.

• Canceled: Human Resources (November 16), Tax Study (November 17), Law Enforcement and Public Safety (November 18), and Purchasing and Insurance (November 19).
• Education Committee: Monday, November 23, at 4:30 p.m. in the Mayor's Conference Room. Thank you to the Committee members for graciously accommodating the earlier start time and room change so the County Commission's Working Genius session can begin at 5:30 p.m. in the Executive Conference Room.

 As always, please reach out if I can be of assistance.

All the best,

Leisa

September Sheriff's Report

Williamson County Jail Achieves Tier II Accreditation

The Williamson County Sheriff's Office Detention Division has earned its first Tier II Accreditation from the Tennessee Corrections Institute (TCI), the highest level of voluntary accreditation available to Tennessee jails. Williamson County is one of only six counties in the state to achieve this distinction. Tier II accreditation requires facilities to exceed mandatory state standards for safety, security, staffing, medical care, and inmate programs, while demonstrating an increased commitment to rehabilitation and reducing repeat offenses. The designation also provides a financial benefit to Williamson County by increasing state reimbursement for housing state-sentenced inmates by $12 per inmate per day, from $38 to $50, according to the Sheriff's Office. Sheriff Jeff Hughes credited the Detention Center staff for their professionalism and dedication in achieving this recognition. The accreditation reflects improved correctional standards while generating additional revenue for the County.

Meetings Next Week:

Monday

Election Commission will meet at 4:00pm at the Election Commission office at 405 Down Blvd, Franklin. Agenda

School Board will meet  at 6:30 PM in the Auditorium at the Williamson County Administrative Building located on the first floor at 1320 West Main Street, FranklinAgenda Video starts at 6:30pm and there after.

Tuesday, November 17th

Opioid Abatement Task Force will meet at 1:30 PM - 2:30 in the Mayor's Conference room at 1320 West Main Street Franklin Agenda

Wednesday, November 18th

Storm Water Appeals will meet will meet at 8:30am in the auditorium of the county building at 1320 W. Main, Franklin. Agenda

Thursday, November 19th

Board of Zoning Appeals will meet at 6:00 pm in the executive conference room of the county building at 1320 W. Main, Franklin. Agenda

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

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

Williamson County School Board

Monday, November 9th

Superintendent's report to commissioners

This was sent to all county commissioners before Monday's Commission Meeting.

Good morning, Commissioners! Our WCS team looks forward to seeing you this evening for your Commission meeting. Since we have two significant voting items before you, I would like to share some additional details with the full Commission as well as share some future communication plans.Education Impact Fee: Several Commissioners have asked for more details surrounding how the Education Impact Fees can be spent. Rachel, Phoebe, and Bobby Cook have been in communication on those scenarios with responses from counsel below:

• Overview: Education Impact Fees can only be utilized for construction due to increased student enrollment that increases new classroom seats. The fees cannot be used solely for renovations, additional arts or athletic facilities, or for overall improvements to any existing facility. 
• Below are specific examples that were asked with Bobby Cook's answers. 
  • Example 1: TSSAA has added girls' and boys' lacrosse as a new recognized sport. Both programs are new to all of the high schools, so could funds be used for field additions or athletic facility additions since the new sports have grown the athletic programs?  Likely no. The improvements do not create any new classrooms or seats needed due to growth.   These improvements would be needed with the establishment of a new sport, not necessarily in response to growth.   
• Example 2: Middle school was built years ago, did have a remodel recently that added capacity to the school, but the band room size was not increased. Since the capacity of the building increased, could an addition for a band room be paid out of the fees?  Likely no, unless a new classroom was added with the expansion.   The expenditure doesn’t increase capacity in response to growth. 
• Example 3: Orchestra did not exist as a program in our schools 10 years ago, but today most high and middle schools have robust programs. Could facilities for these programs be paid out of education impact fees since the programs have grown?  Likely no. The improvements do not create additional capacity in response to growth.

Improved Communication: In effort to keep the full Commission informed on WCS meetings and discussions, we will send a short update to you each week. Additionally, we will work on scheduling a joint Budget conversation with invitations to both the Commission and the WCS Board led by Rachel and Phoebe to better layout the landscape of the WCS budget ahead of votes coming to the Board and Commission.Tonight's Voting Items: We've received some additional questions regarding our two significant voting items for tonight, so details regarding those responses are below and will be a part of my share-out when each voting item is called for discussion. 

•  Intent to Fund – Middle School on Split Log in Brentwood
  • WCS is actively evaluating districtwide rezoning to address drops in elementary enrollment, especially in the Franklin/Grassland area. Recommendations on rezoning will be made to the WCS Board in the fall of 2027.
  • A WCS Innovation Committee is being formed with community input collected this winter. Feedback will be collected from current WCS families, recently withdrawn families, WCS residents with families attending private and homeschool, as well as general community input. Feedback will help the district plan for best utilization of the new elementary seat space and potential vacated building space.
  • With at least 18 housing developments active in the Nolensville/Brentwood area with plans for over 3,000 homes, we have determined that that middle schools in the Nolensville and South Brentwood area will be at or over capacity in 2 to 4 years, and this includes Woodland, Sunset and Millcreek Middle Schools. Woodland and Mill Creek are already at capacity. The solution to the crowding in the northeastern part of the county requires more than rezoning. Thus, we are moving forward with the long-discussed Intent to Fund for a middle school in Brentwood on Split Log Road as noted in our 5-Year Capital Plan. Logistically, rezoning Nolensville/Brentwood to Franklin is not a practical solution. 
  • There is currently over $100 million in Education Impact Funds, and the Budget Committee voted to amend the Intent to Fund Resolution to utilize Education Impact Funds for this purpose.
  • With the Intent to Fund, we will be authorized to put the project out for bid so that we can evaluate groundwork, draft plans, and get full estimates on building the new school. With this Intent to Fund, we can pace the project to build over the next 2-4 years if growth slows, but we will not be able to speed up construction without the initial Intent to Fund. 
• Transfer of Funds for Superintendent Search
  • Funding that was approved for the salary lines for the Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Schools will not be fully utilized this budget year due to having an Interim Superintendent. There are excess funds between the budgeted Superintendent salary and the Interim Superintendent salary, and there is excess in the Assistant Superintendent line as we did not backfill that position. Instead, we are utilizing a retiree working two days a week to offset workloads. We recommend that $100,000 of the excess funds be moved into the Contracted Services line from the Salary Lines to cover the cost of the Superintendent search as recommended by the WCS Board. 
  • The superintendent search is the top priority of the Board, and they are working to ensure the best possible candidate will be hired for the job.
  • The Board has contracted service money budgeted for other services this school year, but their request is to keep those funds for the previously planned expenditures. 

Thursday, November 12th

School Board Work Session Agenda, Video

AI Summary

Action Items

• [ ] Participant 1 - Add policies 3.2019 and 3.4001 to Monday's agenda for first and final reading
  No one objected to voting on both Monday.
• [ ] Participant 1 - Revise superintendent goals and evaluation tool with Dr. Webb
  Update dates (June 30th deadline vs. May evaluation, extended contract through May, February 1st innovative schools deadline) and bring both back for a board vote in January.
• [ ] Participant 1 - Send board new superintendent search dates
  Go through the calendar again with Lydia and Corey, then send proposed dates out for board feedback. Issues raised: TSBA orientation, the extended work session on the 14th, the March 26th spring holiday, snow days, and a required public vote to narrow candidates.
• [ ] Participant 13 - Email feedback on the social studies criteria checklist to Jennifer
  Review the checklist and the SSP wording, including emphasis on primary sources, before the December committee meeting.
• [ ] Participant 16 - Get the leadership profile to the board before the December 7th vote
  It goes in the board packet so members can review it before the special called meeting.
• [ ] Participant 21 - Check whether Dr. Webb's contract sets a time for the evaluation
  He believes it just says annual but will confirm. Ties to when the goals and evaluation tool need board approval.
• [ ] Participant 25 - Decide with Dr. Webb whether the innovative school placeholder stays in the intent to fund
  The five-year capital plan lists it with location TBD. They'll talk before the intent-to-fund vote next month.
• [ ] Participant 8 - Set up a folder with public textbook review comments and share it with the board
  Set up once public reviews start in early December. Comments go in as they come in, and the committee gets the same access.
• [ ] Participant 8 - Send board the full state wording for the social studies practices (SSPs)
  Board members found the checklist's summarized SSP wording unclear and wanted more detail.

Overview

• The board votes Monday on the 2027-28 and 2028-29 calendars, the five-year capital plan, the fund amendments and resolutions, and the first and final reading of policies 3.2019 and 3.4001
• Dr. Webb recommended skipping second grade TCAP this year
• The superintendent evaluation tool and goals go back to January because the dates need revising
• The search firm's proposed faster timeline is on hold because board votes to narrow candidates must happen in open session, and the chair will bring back new dates
• Board members can send feedback on the social studies criteria checklist to Jennifer Sauer before the committee meets December 2nd, with no board parameters proposed so far
• The district is building a board data dashboard, with feedback wanted by winter break

Board data dashboard

• Board members would log in with their district credentials to a ClassLink page with icons for data dashboards, resources, a board communication site, open finance, an HR dashboard, and a data warehouse
• The data warehouse shows school-level data only, with no drill-down to individual students
• Dr. Webb wants feedback by email before winter break, then plans face-to-face training, with the dashboard expected early next semester
• Dr. Webb cautioned that a single data point can mislead, so board members should share their question and staff will point them to the right data

Bullying data snapshot

• The packet includes a PDF comparing state reporting from the start of the year with a quarter one snapshot
• It can't be compared to last year's first quarter because data is now collected and reviewed weekly instead of at year end
• Weekly review by a dedicated HR and SIS team is closing matters faster, with timely reporting, investigation, and follow-up with victims and students
• Fairview Middle will present its anti-bullying work to the board Monday

Dropping second grade TCAP

• The district recommended not participating in second grade TCAP this academic year, to be re-evaluated at the end of each year
• The deciding factors were doubts about developmental appropriateness and the instruction time it takes from second grade
• Families and the district won't get that data, so the district needs to replace it with other ways of gathering the information
• One board member noted state assessments come back like autopsies, while Participant 4 cited research favoring ongoing observational testing, which can happen early in third grade

Gallup staff engagement results

• Participation was 72% and engagement was the highest yet, putting the district in the 91st percentile after five years of increases
• The culture of inclusion index rose for the fifth straight year
• Recognition is the area to work on, measured by whether staff were recognized in the last two weeks
• The Gallup Q12 runs every fall and the University of Memphis CREP culture survey runs every other year, with the next one this spring

Screen time committee update

• The Screen Time and Technology Use committee met October 27th and affirmed the district is moving in the right direction on implementing its tech guidelines
• Priorities include stronger proactive Chromebook monitoring, keeping tech from becoming the instruction, and easing the fifth-to-sixth grade transition
• The committee began talking about how to judge app effectiveness when formal research doesn't exist, and will continue in February

Third-grade standards gap

• Next year geography standards move from third to fifth grade, which shifts the history in grades three through five
• Current third graders only reach pre-Revolution history, but next year's fourth grade starts at pre-Civil War, leaving a gap
• The state is expected to supply gap lessons of about 2-3 weeks, and the district expects to teach them after TCAP this year
• It's a one-year problem, and the same kind of shift hits fourth grade

Social studies checklist feedback

• Both the draft vision and the criteria checklist are open for board feedback until the committee's December 2nd meeting, and board members can email Jennifer Sauer and their board rep directly
• Participants 7 and 10 want clearer wording, with Participant 7 saying the item on students reflecting on their progress is too vague and should be clarified or removed
• Participants 3, 10, and 11 want a rubric or ranking of must-haves, while Sauer said the district has used narratives rather than scores and teachers don't submit until February
• Sauer will send the full state wording of the social studies practices after Participants 1, 5, and 13 asked for it to be fleshed out in the checklist
• No board member proposed hard parameters, which would need a vote Monday

Textbook public review and costs

• Public review starts in early December, with computers set up at the PD Center, and AP books will be there December 7th
• Other physical materials may arrive late because the state board doesn't vote on the approved list until November 20th
• Public comments will go into a shared folder the board can see as they arrive
• Cost isn't part of the committee's review, but publishers' prices typically land within about $10 per student, and Sauer can send the state-posted costs
• Grades 6-12 social studies is funded in the current budget, while K-5 is in the 2027-28 budget

Superintendent search status

• Zeal Education Group finished 48 stakeholder meetings and the search is on schedule
• The ThoughtExchange survey drew 4,400 people, of whom 3,400 added thoughts, and it closes Sunday at midnight
• Feedback was consistent: stakeholders praised professional learning communities and said they love the kids, the district, and the community
• Zeal asked the board not to request resumes of applicants left off the slate, but Participant 3 disagrees and the board hasn't settled it

Search timeline and voting rules

• The board votes on the leadership profile at a special meeting Monday, December 7th, and the job posts the next day for about 30 days
• Zeal proposed moving the slate of 8-10 candidates from March 1st to January 12th, but that date conflicts with the all-day TSBA orientation
• The attorneys said any vote to narrow the candidate list must be in open session, using candidate numbers, and deliberation can't happen in executive session
• The chair and Lydia will rework the dates and send them to the board

Superintendent evaluation tool

• The board didn't approve the tool, and the chair and Dr. Webb will revise the goals and tool together and bring both back in January
• Participant 7 wants a set reporting interval, such as quarterly, for the student achievement progress reports
• The evaluation happens in May but some goals are due June 30th, and Dr. Webb's contract was extended through the end of May after the goals were set
• Dr. Webb won't meet the February 1st innovative schools deadline since data collection was paused during the search

2027-28 and 2028-29 calendars

• The board votes Monday, and both calendars add 9/11 as a remembrance day
• The committee kept Wednesday early release because Friday afternoons are a poor time for teachers' PLC work and bus delays would affect Friday night events
• The calendars keep 10 inclement weather days
• The 2028-29 calendar has teachers returning July 28th for SIS training, and the presidential election day is a no-school PD day
• Moving secondary late starts to Wednesday early release is a study for later and isn't part of the vote

Board policy first readings

• Policy 3.2019 sends fundraising-funded construction and alterations through the district's existing review by engineering, finance, and the superintendent, with the board informed in a monthly report
• Policy 3.4001 now requires CPR and Emergency First Aid training for special ed bus drivers and assistants at hire and annually, matching what the district already does
• Participant 13 objected that practice changed before policy, and Dr. Webb committed to bringing mismatches to the board
• The board will see both policies Monday as first and final reading

Five-year capital plan

• The board votes Monday on the plan only, and next month's intent to fund will cover just the first column
• The plan focuses on major renovations of schools 30 years or older
• The $45,500,000 Split Log figure was written for a possible bond, and the actual ask will be lower, covering prep work
• The innovative school model line is a placeholder with no location and may not be in the intent to fund
• Participant 11 asked about space for Ravenwood's orchestra, and the next step is for the principal to contact Mark Kinser

Fairview Elementary replacement

• Participant 13 wants the replacement of Fairview Elementary, built in 1962, moved up
• Participant 3 suggested dropping the already-funded Split Log middle school from the plan to make room, and Participant 18 supports that
• Dr. Webb said it's hard to justify without education impact fee money, which depends on growth that hasn't arrived yet
• Participant 13 plans to speak to county commissioners

2027-28 budget outlook

• Budget requests are due November 16th with a final cutoff November 30th, and leadership reviews them in the first two weeks of December
• Salaries and benefits are about 86% of expenses
• A rough estimate puts the experience roll at $3,500,000 and a 1% raise at about $3,000,000
• Last year's budget rose only $4 million despite $16 million in roll and raise, meaning about $12 million was cut
• Last year 63% of revenue was local and 35% was state

Fund amendments and insurance costs

• The board votes Monday on these items:
  • Special schools transportation reimbursement of $37,055
  • Public school security grant of $583,533
  • Salary intercategory transfer of $12,612,455, which is existing money moving between lines
  • Cafeteria medical expenses of $156,000 and SAC of $63,000
• The additional medical expense of $5,391,000 adds $1,000 per employee at the county's request, because the self-funded insurance fund is short
• The district pays roughly $68 million for insurance with this included, has no vote on the county's insurance committee, and is in a mayor's office benefits exploration group
• The $10,864,137.03 energy tax credit goes into capital as a placeholder, since the comptroller said it must return there, and it isn't restricted to clean energy projects

Williamson County Commission Meetings

Monday, November 9th,

County Commission Agenda, Video

AI Summary

Action Items

• [ ] Andy Marshall - Send commissioners notice once the public information manager accepts the offer
  Offer went out the morning of the meeting after interviewing nine candidates and narrowing to two.
• [ ] Gordon Hampton - Pull numbers on non-county residents using Parks and Rec programs for Barb
  Commissioner Sturgeon asked whether participants are all county residents. He said outside visitors are a very small share and offered to get specifics.
• [ ] Mike Matteson - Revisit Arrington Village density and estimate how many more homes the added acreage allows
  Commissioners asked about the density in the added 75 acres, a rough home count, and whether mixed use could be required. He agreed to look at the density; changes go back to the Planning Commission.
• [ ] Commissioner Beasley - Send commissioners the bios for the emergency communications district nominees
  Commissioner Beasley noticed the bios were missing from the packet for the districts eight and nine nominees.
• [ ] Connor Scott - Tell Maury County the 18-month EMS interlocal passed and ask how they want to proceed
  Maury County's budget committee voted for a 6-month extension instead. Their commission meets next Monday.

Overview

• The commission deferred the Arrington Village zoning change to March 8th, 2027, 23-0 with Sanford recused, so staff can revisit density and the planning commission and public can weigh in again
• The commission approved an intent to fund an $87 million Split Log middle school from education impact fees, 23-1
• The $100,000 superintendent search reallocation passed 17-7
• The commission passed the Spring Hill ambulance agreement for 18 months, 24-0, though Maury County's budget committee voted that night for only a six-month extension
• The county's self-insurance fund needed $1,205,000 from fund balance, and more funding will likely be needed before the fiscal year ends
• Every appointment, late-filed item, and routine resolution passed

Data center moratorium request

• Cecilia Shevlin asked the commission to approve a moratorium of 12 months or more on hyper and medium scale data centers (she called them compute campuses) in Williamson County, before companies try to move in
• She pointed to Maury County's 12-month moratorium through June 2027 and a data center moving forward in McMinnville, and said 16 are planned in Tennessee with 61 already operating
• The commission took no action on the request

Proclamations and sheriff award

• Mayor Marshall read proclamations for the Franklin High girls volleyball team, which won the school's first state championship (TSSAA Class AAA) on October 23rd and finished 33-1
• He also honored the first responders in the August 15th rescue of cyclist Jason Tatum, who fell about 200 feet off Old Highway 96, and recognized One Gentle Way for 50 million meals served, with a next goal of 500 million
• November was proclaimed Family Court Awareness Month
• Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve gave Sheriff Jeff Hughes the Seven Seals Award for supporting Guard and Reserve members, on a nomination from Lt. Jim Hickman

Mayor and finance updates

• Jeff Drummond was introduced as the county's first nominee to the NES board
• The mayor and two others interviewed 9 candidates for public information manager, made an offer to one of the final 2 that morning, and will notify commissioners once it's accepted
• September education impact fee collections were $1.7 million, down about $453,000 from August, in line with last year's trend
• Privilege tax collections were about $1.2 million, and the Cool Springs Conference Center netted $92,107 for September and $116,924 for the fiscal year so far

Schools report and geothermal rebate

• The school system received a $10.8 million federal geothermal tax rebate for its builds at Arrington, Amanda North, and Page High, and it must go to capital expenses
• The rebate will come to the commission in January, after the school board reviews it this Thursday
• The district is applying for the same credit on Brentwood Middle, expecting about $5 million back
• Dr. Webb said U.S. News recognized Clovercroft, Lipscomb Elementary, Woodland Middle, Brentwood Middle, and Sunset Middle as top in the state

Williamson Health report

• September EBITDA was about $2.9 million, or 8.6% of net revenue, against a $2.6 million (7.9%) budget
• September net income was $299,000, beating budget by $159,000, and year-to-date net income is $364,000 against a $66,000 budget
• GI procedures fell 13% for the month and NICU admits fell 33%, with the GI drop due to physicians taking time off in September
• Days cash on hand was 111, versus 116 a year ago
• Williamson Health is offering $150 lung cancer screenings through November

Parks and Rec numbers

• Parks and Rec's net cost to the county was $9,315,141, or 1.03% of the $903 million budget, after $13,209,970 in revenue and $1.8 million returned unused
• Gordon Hampton counted about 160,000 unique program, ticket, and event participants, nearly 600,000 rec center visits, and close to 500,000 people at the Ag Expo Park
• He said the Ag Expo Park is over 25 years old with no major capital projects, and the department plans RFPs for feasibility studies
• The Bethesda Road water issues are back on track, and Hampton meets the person working on a timeline Thursday morning

Board appointments

• All appointments passed 24-0
  • Emergency communications district, districts 1 and 2: Lee Jorgensen
  • Emergency communications district, districts 8 and 9: nominee approved after Beasley noted the packet lacked bio info, which the mayor said was an oversight
  • NES Power Board, January 1st, 2027 to July 1st, 2029: Jeff Drummond
  • Planning commission, term to March 2029: Patty Hinton
  • Judicial commissioner, one-year term: Saul Hirshbine
• The consent agenda passed 22-0 with 2 abstentions: Tunnicliff because of his employment and Todd because she's on the notary list

Arrington Village zoning deferral

• The commission voted 23-0 to defer Resolution 11-26-4 to March 8th, 2027, with another public hearing then, and Sanford left the room because he owns property in the district
• Most speakers opposed it and asked for a deferral, while Julie Worpool, who served on the advisory committee, supported it
• Their main concerns were density in the added 75 to 100 acres (two units per acre versus the old R-5), farm access and traffic, and whether residents were informed
• Mike Matteson said staff will revisit the density in the added area, and planning staff said the area grew mainly because many properties were split-zoned
• Several commissioners want another public meeting, and Matteson said staff could keep the Arrington Hamlet name
• Any change to the proposal must go back to the planning commission for a public hearing with 30 days notice, which could push the date past March
• Developers can still submit plans under the current hamlet standards while this is deferred

$87M middle school funding

• The commission passed an intent to fund the $87 million Split Log middle school in Brentwood, 23-1, after amending it to say the money comes from education impact fees and striking the tax-exempt bond reimbursement language
• Woodland Middle is at 100% capacity, Mill Creek at 96%, and Sunset near 90%, with about 18 developments and 3,000 homes underway in the area
• The impact fee balance is just over $100 million, and Phoebe expects about $13 million left after this project, with collections averaging about $20 million a year
• Herbert's motion to defer to January died for lack of a second, since she thinks rezoning and expanding existing schools should be explored first
• Williams said the school board must consider rezoning and likely school closures, and Webb said staffing would cost about $2.5 million

Superintendent search money

• The commission approved moving $100,000 from the vacant superintendent salary line to fund a superintendent search, 17-7. No votes were Commissioners Clifford, Fellhauer, Floyd, Herbert, O'Neil, Sandford and Williams
• Herbert voted no, since she thinks Dr. Webb, who is doing both jobs now, is the best choice and past outside searches have lasted only a year or two

Health insurance fund shortfall

• The commission approved $1,205,000 from fund balance for the self-insurance fund, 24-0, covering the county, highway, and solid waste side
• Claims have reached $21.8 million in three months, including $2.3 million in one week, and about $120 million was paid last year
• A separate January resolution for $1,000 per school employee will add about $5 million, and Phoebe doesn't expect that to cover the year
• Mason said the shortfall was foreseeable, since the extra $1,000 per employee was cut at budget time
• Lawrence expects plan changes starting in January to save about $6 million in premiums plus another $5 million to $6 million in claims, while Tunnicliff is disappointed the changes cut employee benefits

Spring Hill ambulance agreement

• The commission passed the interlocal agreement for emergency ambulance service on the Maury County side of Spring Hill, 24-0, for 18 months
• Maury County's budget committee voted that night to appropriate $750,000 for a six-month extension instead, though the mayor and Spring Hill leadership had agreed to the longer term in September
• Williamson Health has covered costs since July 1st and through January 1st, 2027, and the longer term gives EMS time to stabilize staffing
• County counsel said any material change must come back to the commission, which doesn't meet in December, and the next step is telling Maury County what passed

Grants and routine appropriations

• All of these passed 24-0
  • State library grant of $4,480 and Tennessee State Museum grant of $20,330, neither needing matching funds
  • Library budget increase of $19,248.25 from donations and cities
  • DUI Recovery Court $66,220 in rolled-over opioid abatement grant funds, where the $60,220 in the whereas clause was a typo needing no amendment
  • Opioid remediation agreements funded from the county's settlement share
  • Parks donations of $955.92
  • Sheriff's office $32,000 highway safety grant and $189,000 from the equitable share account
  • E-Rate reimbursement of $1,577,665.62
• Public Records Commission per diem rose from $25 to $100 (late-filed, 24-0)
• The late-filed $4 million state grant, passed 24-0 with no committee review, goes to Limestone Creek, a wastewater provider in the Grassland area

Property deals, mattress recycling, and rules

• All of these passed 24-0
  • Tower lease agreement with Vogue Tower Partners Seven LLC, deferred from last month so the contract could be finalized
  • Purchase of property at 3727 New Highway 96 West for a west-county fire station and ambulance facility
  • Lease of 300 Beasley Drive to the school district for educating juveniles and administrative work
  • Surplus of Sheriff's Office Harley Davidson motorcycles, to be replaced with three BMWs
• The mattress recycling contract with Springback passed after Mason's amendment removed the word pilot, since the program has worked
• The commission overrode the City of Franklin's rooftop mechanical equipment rule for the Juvenile Justice Center, where equipment is visible from one direction on county-owned land
• The commission adopted the updated board rules after first amending the resolution to attach the rules in the packet

Thursday, November 12th

Planning Commission Agenda, Video

AI Summary

Action Items

• [ ] Participant 2 - Send commissioners the TAPA training link
  Training is November 19, 8:00 to 12:00. Staff will pay if commissioners let them know they're attending.
• [ ] Participant 2 - Fix item 32 on the consent agenda to say Del Rio Pike
  It currently says Lampkin Bridge Road, which is wrong.
• [ ] Participant 7 - Bring detailed data center zoning amendments to the December meeting
  Includes district provisions, definitions, and standards for commission review and action. Steve asked for clarity on what counts toward a data center's square footage.

Overview

• Staff proposed a data center zoning framework built on a site-specific Special Plan approval, with detailed ordinance language coming at the December meeting
• The commission approved the 2027 meeting schedule as presented and kept the December meeting after several members argued it's sometimes the last step before a project starts
• The commission approved the Ember Ridge East, Arrington Woods Lot 208 (with its fire hydrant variance) and Tributary Section 1 final plats
• Terra Vista's bond review was released until April

Staff announcements and new member

• Item 34 was withdrawn and item 36 was deferred on the consent agenda
• The County Commission deferred the Arrington Village standards and rezoning to March 2027, and staff is working to hold a public meeting in December and bring it back to the planning commission in February
• TAPA training is November 19th from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm
• Patty Hinton joined the commission this week and is abstaining from tonight's votes to observe

Terra Vista bond update

• Ponds one and two are largely done, with a couple of wet spots and water seeping from the toe of the hill in pond two still to fix
• Curb and gutter and sidewalk work waits on a final answer about the mail kiosk, since a change there would mean more concrete work
• The commission released the bond until the April annual review, with staff checking the site in the meantime
• The commission will need to act on the bond in April

Ember Ridge and Tributary final plats

• Ember Ridge East (Villages at Triune East) was approved: 30 lots on 9.15 acres, with 9 single-family and 21 townhome lots, about 6 acres of open space, and private roads
• The Ember Ridge greenway trails fall just outside this section and are expected in the next section
• Tributary Section 1 was approved per the staff report: 39 lots on 89.63 acres, about 63 acres of open space, public roads, and an on-site non-traditional wastewater system
• Tributary also includes a public access easement for a future greenway trail

Arrington Woods fire hydrant variance

• The commission approved the revised final plat and variance for Lot 208 (8.66 acres), which removes the earlier requirements for a 16-foot driveway and 10,000-gallon water tank
• The variance is from the rule that a hydrant be within 500 feet of the building envelope, since the nearest hydrant is about 600 feet away by road
• A hydrant couldn't serve the lot because of Civil War fortifications and topography, so the lot would follow the fire standards for large lot easement subdivisions instead
• The Fire Marshal supports the variance

2027 meeting schedule and December meeting

• The commission approved the 2027 schedule as presented
• October's meeting moves to the third Thursday (October 21st) for the school fall break, and November's moves to Wednesday (November 10th) because of Veterans Day
• Staff floated dropping the December meeting, as the County Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals do, which would need a bylaws amendment
• Participant 10 lobbied to keep December because the county's meeting dates are relied on, with Participants 1 and 3 agreeing, and Participant 5 withdrew support for dropping it
• Participant 1 noted December approvals let projects start when the weather breaks in March

Why data centers need their own rules

• No data center has been proposed in unincorporated Williamson County, and staff and Mayor Marshall want a framework in place before one is
• The zoning ordinance has no data center use, so a proposal would be judged as a warehouse, office or general industrial use, which lack standards for data center impacts
• Impacts mostly come from supporting infrastructure like power, cooling, backup generators and fuel storage, and they vary by facility type (enterprise, colocation, hyperscale)
• Staff plans to borrow heavily from the state's model regulations

Special plan approval steps

• Staff recommends a Special Plan, similar to a PUD, over by-right use, special use, or overlay district, because it tailors conditions to each proposal and the approved plan becomes the property's zoning
• The preliminary plan sets the "what" (use, scale, setbacks, noise, infrastructure obligations) and is recommended by the Planning Commission and approved by the County Commission
• The final plan covers the "how" (grading, drainage, utilities) and is approved by the Planning Commission alone
• Rezoning proposals must go to the Planning Commission before the County Commission, per state law and the zoning ordinance, so the elected officials can't hear them first
• The Special Plan would initially apply to data centers only

Size tiers and eligible districts

• Small is under 15,000 sq. ft., medium is 15,000 to 75,000, and large is over 75,000 up to 200,000, with no hyperscale category
• Small data centers are eligible in Hamlet, 840 Center or Heavy Industrial, medium in 840 Center or Heavy Industrial, and large in Heavy Industrial only
• Setbacks and scrutiny increase with size
• The 840 Center district is on the books but not applied anywhere, and Heavy Industrial doesn't exist yet and would be created
• Anyone wanting 840 Center or Heavy Industrial would need to request a rezoning first, and Special Plan approval would still be required
• Staff said data centers wouldn't be proposed in the Arrington area, which is being converted to a village designation
• Hamlet was chosen for small facilities because of its 15,000 sq. ft. building limit, while villages were avoided so special area plans aren't reopened

Water, power, noise, and security concerns

• Participant 9 worries about data centers' water and electricity use, including water bans and possible higher electric bills for residents, and staff plans to require an infrastructure study on capacity
• Participant 1 noted newer data centers can use closed-loop cooling, and recent state rules make the data center pay for power upgrades
• Participant 12 asked about minimum separation from neighbors, and staff said setbacks from residential uses and property lines will increase with size
• Participant 3 asked staff to consider fencing, lighting and security needs in buffering, to clarify what counts toward square footage given outbuildings, and to stay aware of how other municipalities handle this

Banning data centers and state preemption

• The county can't ban data centers outright regardless of size, so it sets standards and reviews each case, and the planning and county commissions could still deny one
• The County Commission can also add conditions through a development agreement
• The county hasn't been preempted by the state or federal government so far, though bills and possible federal preemption are being watched
• Participant 5 raised cell towers, where the state later limited local control, and staff will pattern criteria on the state model regulations and react if limits come
• Participant 10 asked what else a PUD and Heavy Industrial district might open the door to, noting Heavy Industrial isn't in the long-term land use plan
• Staff will detail Heavy Industrial next month, and the commission didn't object to the general framework

Franklin Board of Mayor and Alderman

Tuesday, November 10th

BOMA Work Session Agenda, Video

AI Summary

Action Items

• [ ] Participant 19 - Meet with Alderman Brown about starting right-of-way acquisition on Franklin Road
  Offered to meet offline. Brown wants acquisition started now instead of waiting on options. Engineering and utility impacts have to be worked out first so owners are approached only once.
• [ ] Skye Gerhart - Bring back side-by-side current vs. new schedule costs and peer city results
  Alderman Brown asked for a current-state vs. future-state comparison covering minimum staffing, training, benefits, equipment, overtime and transition costs. He also asked to focus peer-city work on cities that changed schedules (like Plano, Greenville, Kissimmee) and learn what changed in operations, cost, retention/recruiting and health.

Overview

• The board didn't vote at this work session, but the Iron Horse 30-unit addition drew the most split views, with staff and Planning Commission both recommending disapproval
• Aldermen Barnhill and Burger and Participant 21 (a board member) all want Franklin Road built as five lanes, with construction starting 2035, while the Fire Department schedule analysis is still missing cost numbers
• Carothers Glen's vesting extension and Huffines Ridge both drew no board opposition, and the preservation plan is expected to be adopted with a motion directing staff toward a retooled Civil War Historic Commission
• Item 10 was deferred to December

Carothers Glen vesting extension

• The request extends vesting one year, from December 9th, 2026 to December 9th, 2027, for the 45-lot PUD, and Planning Commission recommended approval 8-0
• The applicant plans to record the plat this Friday or the following Monday, and the extension is mainly a timing safeguard so the end user can get plans approved before the December 29th cutoff
• The board had no questions, and a public hearing is set for December 8th, 2026

Huffines Ridge townhomes and connectivity

• The rezoning and plan revision add about 4 acres and 54 for-sale, two-over-two townhome-style units, which will be market rate with no workforce or deed-restricted units
• Staff supports applying current city parking standards to all uses, but doesn't support the second modification, which would replace the vehicular cross access on the eastern property line with a pedestrian connection, and Planning Commission approved it 7-1
• The applicant says a vehicular link to the Harper Apartments lot would need about 35,000 cubic yards of fill, roughly 2,800 dump trucks, and confirmed the pedestrian connection is shown in the development plan
• Alderman Burger welcomed the for-sale units and doesn't worry about connectivity, since other roads will be built and residents can reach Carothers at a traffic light

Iron Horse 30-unit addition

• Staff and Planning Commission recommend disapproval of the rezoning and plan, which would replace 2 garage buildings with a new building of 30 units, bringing the complex to 300
• Staff supports the 90-degree parking modification, but recommended disapproval of the other two, removing parallel spaces on one side of the drive and moving the planting strip, which Planning Commission opposed 5-2
• The applicant's counts showed parking occupancy never above 68%, and about 60% in a count last week, though occupancy of units is 94-96%, which Alderman Caesar and Alderman Barnhill pressed on
• Snell added a lease for 40 church parking spaces for construction workers and a draft commitment of one reserved space per apartment near its building
• Aldermen Brown and Caesar lean against it, and Alderman Barnhill thinks it's ill-advised to decide before Franklin Road plans are set
• Aldermen Potts, Blanton and Vice Mayor Participant 21 see it as workable infill, Alderman Burger is torn.

Preservation plan and commission

• The plan is aspirational, like the 2001 historic preservation plan and 2004 battlefield plan it combines, and it doesn't have the city take over preservation from nonprofits
• The steering committee unanimously recommended retooling the Civil War Historic Commission into a Preservation Commission, mainly for transparency, funding fairness, and city leadership
• Vice Mayor Participant 21 plans a motion tonight to adopt the plan with staff working toward that change, leaving zoning and ordinance details for later
• There are worries that study areas such as Rebel Meadows aren't historic, but Participant 21 said they don't become a historic overlay without board approval and owner engagement

Franklin Road widening options

• Staff presented 3 options from Mack Hatcher to Mallory Station:
  • Three-lane, about $14 million with 10 property acquisitions
  • Three-lane enhanced, about $22 million, 22 tracts, construction start 2033
  • Five-lane, 25 tracts, construction start 2035
• The project isn't in TDOT's 10-year plan or funded, and all options require major electrical relocation along the golf course
• Aldermen Brown, Barnhill and Burger want to build five lanes once rather than redo the work, and Barnhill wants it extended past Mallory Station to Gateway Village
• The Vice Mayor likes five lanes but doubts the city should pay for what TDOT should fund
• Alderman Brown asked about using developer contributions like Sheridan PUD and about starting right-of-way acquisition sooner, and staff offered to meet offline on that

Fire department shift schedule

• A 24/48 schedule means 728 more scheduled hours a year than a 40-hour week, about 10.5 years over a 30-year career
• Franklin starts firefighters at $57,200 and laterals at $60,632, versus ranges of $37,519-$62,714 and $39,726-$64,668 across 11 other cities
• The April 2026 recruitment drew 545 applications and 14 hires, and 2025 turnover was 8% overall and 3% excluding retirements
• Cost estimates aren't ready yet, and staff expects to bring them back in the coming months
• Alderman Brown wants a current-versus-future cost comparison and input from peer cities that changed schedules, and Alderman Caesar thinks there may be an option beyond A or B

Sidewalk gap program

• Staff reworked the program after board feedback, using the GoVocal platform for resident submissions, status tags, and a default response email
• Requests from HOAs or neighborhoods start with a 50/50 cost partnership, and major roadway gaps are handled through CIP projects
• Alderman Brown apologized for his reaction last time and praised the responsiveness
• A map explaining sidewalks, multi-use paths and bike paths is underway with GIS after resident confusion over e-bike rules

BOMA Meeting Agenda, Video

AI Summary

Action Items

• [ ] Paul Holzen - Bring back Franklin Road options for the Harpeth Village rezoning
  For the December 8 board meeting: what it would take to extend improvements along Franklin Road to Mack Hatcher (including adding a middle turn lane), plus the roundabout analysis the board asked about.

Overview

• The board deferred the Harpeth Village rezoning and development plan to December 8th so staff can bring back more traffic information, with the rezoning deferral passing 6-2
• Greg Caesar was elected vice mayor after a 4-4 tie that the mayor broke
• The board unanimously approved the Branch Creek Crossing rezoning and revised development plan, which replace an office building with 40 for-sale condos
• Heath Place residents asked the board to reconsider the proposed year-long Lewisburg Pike closure

Fire safety helmet contest winners

• The board recognized winners of the 2026 Fire Prevention Week Helmet Shield Design Contest, sponsored by Atmos Energy, on the theme of safely charging lithium-ion devices
• Aurora Leftwich, a first grader, won the grand prize of a plaque and a $100 Visa gift card, and her artwork is on Sparky the Fire Dog's helmet, which will be displayed at Franklin Fire Station 8 in West Haven all year
• One first place winner per grade received a $50 Visa gift card

Lewisburg Pike closure complaints

• Three Heath Place residents, Lance Shelby, Jeff Ledbetter, and Diane Shockey, asked the board to reconsider closing Lewisburg Pike for a year during sidewalk construction
• Lance says the closure affects 146 households and asked who decided that 675 daily vehicle trips are too many to accommodate
• Lance asked the board to require a documented review of alternatives, such as controlled resident access during safe periods of construction
• Diane noted that other Franklin sidewalk projects didn't close roads, and worries about getting out during a flood
• The board took no action since it wasn't on the agenda

Historic preservation plan vote

• The board unanimously adopted Resolution 2026-91, the comprehensive historic Franklin preservation plan
• Vice Mayor Baggett's motion also endorsed retooling the Civil War Historic Commission option within the plan
• Alderman Peterson has problems with parts of the plan but voted for it
• The item was moved up on the agenda to come before the vice mayor election

Vice mayor election and appointments

• Greg Caesar is the new vice mayor, after the mayor broke a 4-4 tie between him and Matt Brown
• Alderman Burger nominated Caesar and Vice Mayor Baggett nominated Brown
• The mayor chose Caesar because he hasn't held the role yet, and said this is the third vice mayor tie he has broken
• The mayor left committee appointments unchanged, and the board unanimously approved Aldermen Caesar, Barnhill, and Potts for the Beer Board and Aldermen Barnhill, Caesar, and Brown for the Pension Committee

Harpeth Village deferral

• The rezoning (Ordinance 2025-19) is deferred to the December 8th meeting, passing 6-2 with Aldermen Barnhill and Peterson voting no
• The plan is for 187 multi-family units and 75,000 square feet of non-residential space on 20.33 acres, and staff and the Planning Commission recommended approval
• Aldermen Brown and Caesar worry that turn lanes won't be enough and that left turns out of the development will be hard, and Brown wants to know what it would take to extend Franklin Road improvements to Mack Hatcher
• Staff said a roundabout was ruled out because of its footprint, cost, and unbalanced traffic, and would need a full analysis to revisit
• The development plan (Resolution 2025-51) was also deferred to December 8th, unanimously

Branch Creek Crossing approvals

• The board unanimously approved the rezoning (Ordinance 2026-24) to replace a four-story office building with four three-story buildings of 10 for-sale condos each
• The approval includes a new condition letting the emergency connection run either north through Gateway to the church or south through the office parking lot, added to both the rezoning and the development plan
• Alderman Potts raised that the condos aren't planned to be deed restricted for workforce or attainable housing, and thinks the board should challenge itself to do better on that
• The board also unanimously approved the revised development plan (Resolution 2026-79) with the two new modifications, for current parking requirements at 2.25 spaces per two-plus bedroom unit and for only one architectural attribute instead of two, plus the BBC Investments parkland impact fee agreement

Huffines Ridge, CCTV fees, McEwen change order

• Ordinance 2026-28, rezoning 26.85 acres at 1311-1343 Huffines Ridge Drive, passed first reading unanimously, with a public hearing set for December 8th
• Ordinance 2026-31, creating a CCTV inspection fee and a CCTV footage review fee, passed the first of three readings unanimously, with a public hearing set for November 24th
• Change order one with Vulcan Construction Materials for East McEwen Drive phase four passed unanimously, adding $285,743.66 to the contract

Veterans Day and transit grant updates

• The 25th annual Veterans Day Parade, the biggest yet, steps off downtown at 11:00 am with nearly every Williamson County high school band
• The landfill is closed on Veterans Day, so residential waste and recycling pickup moves back a day, with Wednesday collection going to Thursday and Thursday to Friday
• The city got notice of over $385,000 for transit improvements and needs to come up with an $80,000 match, which is 20%

For all other meetings go here.

Election Commission

Election Commission will meet at 4:00pm at the Election Commission office at 405 Down Blvd, Franklin. Agenda

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.
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• Williamson County Republican Party is one of the most active parties in the state and captures the conservative heart of Tennessee.
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• Tennessee Stands produces video media, podcasts, and live events, and provides social commentary on relevant issues in our state.
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