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A resolution requesting that Nashville Electric Service and the Electric Power Board of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County submit existing and future contracts, agreements, and related documents to the Metropolitan Clerk to promote transparency and public access.
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WHEREAS, Winter Storm Fern brought prolonged freezing temperatures and significant ice accumulation to Nashville and Davidson County, resulting in widespread power outages and disruptions to residents and businesses throughout the community; and
WHEREAS, in the aftermath of the storm, the operations, preparedness, and decision-making of Nashville Electric Service (“NES”) and the Electric Power Board of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County (“Electric Power Board”) have drawn increased public attention and interest; and
WHEREAS, a review of the Metropolitan Clerk’s public documents database shows that only a limited number of NES and Electric Power Board contracts, agreements, and related documents are currently available for public review; and
WHEREAS, many Metropolitan Government departments, boards, and commissions are required to file such documents with the Metropolitan Clerk to ensure transparency and public access, while Nashville Electric Service and the Electric Power Board are not currently subject to the same requirement; and
WHEREAS, numerous contracts and agreements executed by Nashville Electric Service and the Electric Power Board identify the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County as a party to those agreements, reinforcing the public interest in ensuring those documents are readily accessible; and
WHEREAS, Nashville Electric Service operates as a public utility of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County and performs essential governmental functions on behalf of the residents of Nashville and Davidson County, making transparency regarding its contractual relationships and agreements an important component of public accountability and public trust; and
WHEREAS, many of the contracts and agreements entered into by Nashville Electric Service and the Electric Power Board involve public resources, public infrastructure, or financial interests connected to the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, reinforcing the importance of transparency and public access to these documents; and
WHEREAS, ensuring consistent public access to these documents would align Nashville Electric Service and the Electric Power Board with transparency practices followed by other Metropolitan Government departments, boards, and commissions.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:
Section 1. The Metropolitan Council hereby goes on record as formally requesting that Nashville Electric Service and the Electric Power Board work with the Metropolitan Clerk to ensure their existing and future contracts, agreements, and related documents are submitted to the Metropolitan Clerk and made publicly available for review.
Section 2. The Metropolitan Council further requests that the Metropolitan Clerk make such documents accessible through its public records database upon receipt.
Section 3. The Metropolitan Council requests that Nashville Electric Service and the Electric Power Board provide the Council with an update regarding the status of submitting these documents to the Metropolitan Clerk and any steps being taken to make such documents publicly accessible.
Section 4. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.