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A resolution to remove William T. Cheek from the Metropolitan Nashville Arts Commission.
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WHEREAS, Chapter 2.112 of the Code of Laws for the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County establishes the Metropolitan Nashville Arts Commission; and
WHEREAS, the purpose of the Arts Commission is to promote the study, participation in and appreciation of the visual, performing and literary arts; support and participate in the presentation of displays, exhibits, recitals, concerts, lectures and symposia; cooperate with and assist public and private educational institutions, the media, and other private and governmental entities involved in artistic and cultural promotion; and provide information and recommendations to the metropolitan county council and the metropolitan county mayor with respect to the architectural design and aesthetics of public places and property; and
WHEREAS, the Metro Arts Cultural Equity Statement includes a commitment to “[c]ontinually review and edit our grant and public art practices and policies to ensure that more under-invested and under-represented communities can compete equitably for artist commissions, grants and other financial investments”; and
WHEREAS, Section 11.109 of the Metropolitan Charter authorizes the Metropolitan Council, by a three-fourths vote of the entire membership of the Council, to remove any appointive member of any board or commission established by ordinance; and
WHEREAS, Rule 51 of the Rules of Procedure of the Metropolitan Council requires the resolution for the removal of a member of a board or commission to state the reasons or grounds for such removal; and
WHEREAS, according to the Metropolitan Human Relations Commission’s report published March 4, 2024, as a member of the Metropolitan Nashville Arts Commission, Commissioner William T. Cheek has consistently voted against equitable distributions of arts funding; and
WHEREAS, Commissioner Cheek’s actions stand in opposition to the ideals outlined in the Metro Arts Cultural Equity Statement; and
WHEREAS, therefore the Metropolitan Council deems it to be in the best interest of the residents of Nashville and Davidson County to remove William T. Cheek from the Metropolitan Nashville Arts Commission.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:
Section 1. Pursuant to Section 11.109 of the Charter of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, the Metropolitan Council hereby removes William T. Cheek from the Metropolitan Nashville Arts Commission.
Section 2. 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 would remove Commissioner William T. Cheek from the Metropolitan Nashville Arts Commission. Metropolitan Charter Sec. 11.109 provides that members of boards and commissions may be removed by a three-fourths vote of the entire membership of the Council, thus 30 affirmative votes are required for removal. Rule 51 of the Council Rules of Procedure requires that a resolution to remove a member of a board or commission state the reasons or grounds for such removal. The reason cited in this resolution for the removal of Commissioner Cheek is that he “has consistently voted against equitable distributions of arts funding” and his “actions stand in opposition to the ideals outlined in the Metro Arts Cultural Equity Statement.”
Pursuant to Rule 51, this resolution will be automatically deferred one meeting to the April 2, 2024, Council meeting. Once deferred, Commissioner Cheek will have the opportunity to appear before the Rules, Confirmations, and Public Elections Committee on April 2 and to address the full Council before a vote is taken on the resolution.