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A resolution requesting the Metropolitan Government investigate the feasibility of providing free parking for public meetings held at the Historic Metropolitan Courthouse.
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WHEREAS, many public meetings are held at the Historic Metropolitan Courthouse each month; and
WHEREAS, at regular meetings of the Metropolitan Council on the first and third Tuesday of each month and other special called meetings of the full Metropolitan Council, a set number of parking validation stamps are provided on a first come, first served basis for members of the public; and
WHEREAS, however, there are still many meetings held at the Historic Metropolitan Courthouse where members of the public wishing to attend must pay for their own parking, including for Council committee meetings held on Monday nights and for special committee meetings; and
WHEREAS, the Council would like to explore the possibility of providing parking validation to members of the public who attend any public meeting at the Historic Metropolitan Courthouse; and
WHEREAS, this includes meetings held by the Metropolitan Council and any Metro boards and commissions; and
WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Government, acting by and through the Metropolitan Traffic and Parking Commission, has an agreement with the Nashville Downtown Partnership for the management of the public parking facilities, which include Public Square Garage, which was approved by Council pursuant to Ordinance No. BL2017-709; and
WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Government should explore the possibility of providing free parking for members of the public who attend public meetings held at the Historic Metropolitan Courthouse and whether this agreement could be amended or a new contract could be negotiated to include this provision; and
WHEREAS, information about the feasibility of providing free parking for public meetings should be provided to the Council no later than March 1, 2022.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:
Section 1. That the Metropolitan Council hereby requests that the Metropolitan Government investigate the feasibility of providing free parking at public meetings held at the Historic Metropolitan Courthouse. This could include an expansion of the current process of providing parking validation stamps to members of the public, or through a separate agreement with the Nashville Downtown Partnership. A response to the feasibility of providing free parking, as well as a recommendation for steps to be taken to provide free parking, including the estimated cost of parking, should be given to the Metropolitan Council no later than March 1, 2022.
Section 2. That a copy of this resolution be sent to the Director of the Nashville Department of Transportation and Multimodal Infrastructure, the Metropolitan Clerk, and the Mayor.
Section 3. This resolution shall take effect from and after its final passage, the welfare of the public requiring it.