Nashville Board of Adjustment elects chair, adopts 2025 calendar; will hear special-use permits

The Town of Nashville Board of Adjustment elected Ross Shepherd as chair and approved several organizational items at its first meeting of 2025, the board said.

The decisions matter because the board agreed that special-use permit applications will be heard by the Board of Adjustment rather than the Town Council, a procedural change that could increase the board's caseload when applicants file.

Board members opened the meeting by nominating and approving a chair by voice vote. An unnamed board member said, “I'd like to nominate honorable Ross Shepherd who’s done such a good job,” and the presiding officer called for the voice vote: “All in favor, say ‘aye.’” The ayes were voiced and the nomination carried.

Members also selected a vice chair. The meeting record shows a voice vote in favor of Mr. Evans for vice chair; the presiding officer recorded the ayes. The board reviewed minutes from its previous meeting, dated Jan. 30, 2024, and discussed routine administrative items.

On a motion made by Brian West and seconded by Mr. Thomas, the board voted to post bid notices and related revenue materials on the Town Council website, the board said. The motion was approved by voice vote.

The board approved its 2025 meeting calendar by voice vote. A board member noted that special-use permits will now be heard by the Board of Adjustment and said the change means the board will convene when applications are filed; another member said variances are rare in Nashville and the board may meet infrequently.

With no other substantive business on the agenda, a motion to adjourn was made and seconded, and the meeting ended by voice vote.

Next meeting dates were not set; board members said they will be notified if an application requires a hearing.