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A resolution approving the use of cameras for data collection through the Curb Loading Zone Management Pilot by the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, acting by and through its Department of Public Works, in collaboration with FLOW INC., d/b/a COORD.
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WHEREAS, RS2020-401 accepted a grant from FLOW INC, d/b/a COORD to the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County “Metro” for access to technology tools to enable Metro to conduct a smart loading zone pilot program; and,
WHEREAS, Metro desires to improve the coordination, safety, compliance and convenience of commercial loading zones within Metro’s downtown area; and,
WHEREAS, Metro desires to conduct the Curb Loading Zone Management Pilot with Coord, utilizing technology tools that communicate loading zone locations, availability, and rules to commercial drivers, to determine if such technology would be beneficial for the delivery companies, the businesses receiving deliveries, and the public’s use of the rights-of-ways in the downtown area; and,
WHEREAS, Coord desires to gather feedback and program performance information to refine and optimize smart loading zone program performance; and,
WHEREAS, temporary cameras are the most resource efficient method of gathering performance data related to the use of smart loading zones; and,
WHEREAS, video data will be stored no more than three months and all data received by Metro will have been reduced to remove any identifying markers; and,
WHEREAS, video data received is not being used for surveillance purposes (gathering data that can be tied to an individual or group), but for performance measures (occupancy rates); and,
WHEREAS, the benefits to the citizens and residents of Nashville and Davidson County outweigh the costs and the pilot study will safeguard civil liberties and civil rights by protecting all information received.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:
Section 1. That the use of cameras to conduct the Curb Loading Zone Management Pilot is hereby approved, and the Metropolitan Council determines that the benefit to the citizens and residents of Nashville and Davidson County outweigh the costs, that the proposal will safeguard the civil liberties and civil rights of the citizens and residents of Nashville and Davidson County, and that no alternative with a lessor economic cost or impact upon civil rights or civil liberties would be as effective.
Section 2. That the camera locations are marked on Exhibit A, attached hereto and incorporated herein.
Section 3. That this resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.
Agenda Analysis
Analysis
This resolution approves the use of cameras to conduct a Curb Loading Zone Management Pilot program in downtown Nashville. The Council adopted Resolution No. RS2020-401 in July 2020 approving an in-kind grant from FLOW INC, d/b/a COORD, to allow Metro to use COORD’s technology tools and technical support at no charge in order to enable Metro to conduct a smart loading zone pilot program. The program will use this technology to communicate loading zone locations, delivery parking availability, and rules to commercial drivers to determine if such technology would be beneficial in the long term for the delivery companies, businesses, and the public’s use of the rights-of-ways in the downtown area.
This resolution specifically approves the use of 2-3 temporary cameras at the following locations:
- 100 block of 2nd Ave. N.
- 200 block of 5th Avenue No.
- 300 block of Church St.
- 200, 300, and 400 blocks of Union St.
The cameras will be temporarily bound to existing sign posts, and will not record the same location for more than three weeks. Further, the video data will be stored no more than three months, and all data received by Metro will be reduced to remove any identifying markers. The video data received will not be used to gather data that can be tied to an individual or group. It will only be used for determining occupancy rates. Video data will be manually redacted by a subcontractor (IDAX Data Solutions). IDAX will store video data for 90 days.
According to information provided by Metro Public Works, the video will enable an analysis of the Smart Loading Zone Pilot’s impact on:
- The amount and frequency of double parking
- The amount, frequency, and significance of vehicle-vehicle, vehicle-cyclist, and vehicle-pedestrian conflicts
- The amount, frequency, and significance of vehicle delays related to curbside and related travel-lane conditions
- The number and frequency of curbside-regulation violations
Section 13.08.080 of the Metro Code requires Council approval of the use of certain surveillance technology equipment, which is why this pilot program has been submitted for Council approval.
Section 13.08.080 of the Code requires a public hearing prior to approval of this resolution.