There is a Metro Council Meeting tonight at 6:30 pm. An agenda has been provided and you can watch the meeting live via channel 3 or stream live on your electronic devices. Also, please do not respond to this email... You can reach me at [email protected].

Tornado Season is Upon Us

I wanted to get this out earlier than normal due to the Tornado Watch some of the county is under! Please take heed and prepare yourself!!

With tornado season upon us, it's crucial to be prepared and informed about what to do in the event of a tornado and how to stay safe. In this newsletter, I'll provide you with a step-by-step guide on tornado preparedness, including what to do before, during, and after a tornado, as well as essential tips to recognize the signs of an impending tornado.

Before a Tornado:

Create a Tornado Emergency Plan: Discuss with your family members or housemates where to seek shelter during a tornado. Identify a safe room in your home, preferably a basement or an interior room without windows, where everyone can gather during a tornado.

Build an Emergency Kit: Assemble an emergency kit containing essentials such as water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, first aid supplies, blankets, and any necessary medications. Keep this kit easily accessible in your designated safe room.

Stay Informed: Keep abreast of weather forecasts and warnings issued by the National Weather Service (NWS). Sign up for weather alert notifications on your smartphone or invest in a NOAA Weather Radio to receive alerts even during power outages.

During a Tornado:

Seek Shelter Immediately: If a tornado warning is issued or you observe threatening weather conditions such as dark, rotating clouds or a roaring sound, take shelter in your safe room without delay. Avoid windows, doors, and exterior walls.

Protect Yourself: Cover your head and neck with sturdy furniture or cushions to shield yourself from flying debris. If you have access to helmets, heavy blankets, or even your mattress use them for extra protection.

Stay Informed: Continue to monitor weather updates via a battery-powered radio or smartphone until the tornado threat has passed. Be prepared to stay in your safe location until authorities confirm the all-clear signal.

After a Tornado:

Assess the Damage: Once the tornado has passed and it's safe to do so, cautiously emerge from your shelter and assess the damage to your property. Watch out for hazards such as downed power lines, broken glass, and unstable structures.

Check for Injuries: Attend to any injuries promptly and seek medical assistance if necessary. Remember to prioritize your safety and the safety of others before assessing property damage.

Contact Authorities: Report any injuries or significant damage to local emergency services. Follow instructions from authorities regarding evacuation or further safety measures.

Recognizing Tornado Signs:

Dark, Greenish Sky: Tornadoes can cause the sky to appear dark, often with a greenish tint, due to the presence of hail and debris in the air.

Large Hail: Intense thunderstorms preceding tornadoes may produce large hailstones, which can indicate the potential for tornado formation.

Rotating Clouds: Look for low-hanging clouds that rotate or exhibit a funnel-like shape, especially if accompanied by a continuous roaring sound resembling a freight train.

By following these steps and staying informed, you can minimize the risks associated with tornadoes and protect yourself and your loved ones. Remember, preparedness is key to weathering the storm safely.

What I've Been Up To:

• This is the season of sick... We started daycare and Baby P has had some sort of illness since we began. And so have mom and dad. We are working through it all, but it's taking a lot of time away from work to hang with a sick baby.
• College Hill Neighborhood Preservation - The College Hill area is a historic gem in our district. With homes built and designed by McKissack and McKissack Architecture and Engineering firm.
• Traffic Calming with NDOT - I've been in conversation with several neighborhoods in need of traffic calming for safer streets. I'm working to make sure our district is prioritized in this area.
• Development requests - If I had a nickel for every rezone, development request, etc. Baby P's inheritance would be outrageous!! I get calls and emails all day every day. I'm working through these, however, I prioritize constituents in my work. In the coming months, a few of these requests would have been vetted and I will then introduce them to you for a presentation.
• I'm hearing more from neighbors about loud parties at Short Term Rental properties. I'm working with Codes to investigate these items. 
• There has been a request for a DADU overlay in the Tomorrow's Hope neighborhood. I'm working now to schedule a community meeting to discuss later this month.

What's Happening tonight:  

Tonight we have a few Rule Changes... These are the rules by which the council body acts to serve the city and manage the city's business. I wanted to highlight a few rule changes that you should review.

Rule 23: This rule relates to the mayor's appointment of board and commission members. This rule would require that the mayor's appointees join the rules committee two weeks before the council votes for appointment. This will allow for the council to provide proper vetting of these individuals who will lead important boards and commissions that make final decisions for the city.

Rule 50: This rule is similar to Rule 23. If passed it will change how the council adopts boards and commission members. It will require the same two-week period as Rule 23 and the applicant must present during the Rules Committee and will be considered by the entire council body for a vote in two weeks or at the next council meeting.

Here is my general legislation items section...

BL2024-220 -An ordinance to amend Title 17 of the Metropolitan Code of Laws, the Zoning Ordinance of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, by changing from RS5 to R6-A zoning for property located at 1708 17th Ave. N., approximately 250 feet northwest of Wheless Street (0.19 acres) and located within a Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit Overlay District

RS2024-353 -A resolution opposing legislation vacating the state university board of Tennessee State University and allowing the management, governance, powers, and duties to be transferred to the Tennessee Higher Education Commission.

BL2024-254 - An ordinance to amend Title 15 of the Metropolitan Code of Laws relative to infrastructure investment for offsite construction. This is essentially a who pays for what bill. Currently, there are services the developer is required to cover the cost of when building. One of the items in this bill would allow for the developer to recoup any investment for creating offsite value for future projects for up to 15 years.

BL2024-293 -An ordinance amending Chapter 15.64 and Chapter 16.04 of the Metropolitan Code of Laws to restrict fences in the floodway and floodplain and to require a fence permit for all fences to be constructed within Nashville and Davidson County.

Dates To Remember:

• Check back for meeting dates and event reminders

I invite all District 21 residents to reach out to me directly with any information or concerns in our community. Email is the best form of communication, but invite you to call me as well. My contact information is below.

Contact information: Email - [email protected] / Phone: 615.946.9700

Best regards,

Brandon