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An Ordinance amending Chapter 2.128 of the Metropolitan Code pertaining to the Metropolitan Historical Commission and the Metropolitan Historic Zoning Commission.
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WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Historical Commission and Historic Zoning Commission have played a vital role in preserving and promoting the historical, cultural, and architectural heritage of Nashville and Davidson County; and
WHEREAS, efficient governance and strategic planning are essential to ensuring the continued protection, enhancement, and integration of historic preservation within Nashville and Davidson County; and
WHEREAS, best practices in urban planning recognize the importance of incorporating historic preservation into long-term development strategies to balance growth with cultural and historical preservation; and
WHEREAS, the consolidation of the staffs of the Metropolitan Historical Commission and the Historic Zoning Commission under the authority of the Metropolitan Department of Planning will enhance coordination, streamline decision-making, and align historic preservation efforts with current comprehensive land use, economic development, and infrastructure planning; and
WHEREAS, the consolidation of the staffs of the Metropolitan Historical Commission and the Historic Zoning Commission under the authority of the Metropolitan Department of Planning will promote and improve public engagement in historic preservation efforts; and
WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Council seeks to promote transparency, accountability, and effectiveness in the management of historic resources while maintaining the integrity and expertise of historic preservation professionals; and
WHEREAS, amendments to Chapter 2.128 of the Metropolitan Code of Laws are necessary to clarify the Planning Department’s management and supervision of the staffs of the Historical Commission and the Historic Zoning Commission; and
WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Council finds that these amendments serve the public interest by ensuring a streamlined and effective planning and development process.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ENACTED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:
Section 1. Section 2.128.050 of the Metropolitan Code of Laws is hereby amended by modifying the section as follows:
2.128.050 - Historical Commission director and staff
A. There shall be created the position of director for the Historical Commission of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County. The director shall report to and serve at the pleasure of the Executive Director of the Metropolitan Department of Planning and shall be paid such compensation as shall be within the Department of Planning’s budgeted appropriations. The director for the Historical Commission:
1. Shall possess a degree in history, historic preservation, architectural history, or related field (e.g., planning, architecture), preferably with postgraduate training;
2. Shall have at least five years of experience working in the historic preservation or related field;
3. Shall be familiar with the history of Nashville-Davidson County and Tennessee;
4. Shall have demonstrated ability to discharge the duties and functions of the director of the Historical Commission.
B. All staff of the Historical Commission and Historic Zoning Commission of Metropolitan Nashville-Davidson County employed prior to the effective date of this Ordinance shall be transitioned to the Metropolitan Government’s civil service, ensuring employment protections and benefits consistent with other Metropolitan civil service employees. The status of Historical Commission and Historic Zoning Commission staff hired after the effective date of this ordinance shall be the same as other employees of the Metropolitan Department of Planning.
C. All existing and future staff of the Historical Commission and Historic Zoning Commission of Metropolitan Nashville-Davidson County shall be reorganized under the Metropolitan Planning Department and shall report to the Executive Director of the Metropolitan Planning Department.
Section 2. This ordinance shall take effect from and after its passage, the welfare of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.