Franklin board approves stormwater code updates, two Habitat homes and several routine ordinances in unanimous votes

The Franklin City Board of Mayor and Aldermen on Oct. 14, 2025, voted unanimously to approve several ordinances, a capital plan amendment, a community development contract with Habitat for Humanity and a procurement award for wastewater treatment supplies.

The votes covered a mix of regulatory updates and routine procurement and grant actions. Board members approved amendments to the city stormwater management code, changes to local rules tied to the state property tax relief program, revisions to hotel-motel occupancy tax collection and refund language, the FY26–35 Capital Investment Plan, reimbursement funding for two deed-restricted Habitat for Humanity homes using Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, and a procurement award for polymer used in sludge treatment.

Why it matters: The actions update municipal code and funding priorities and allocate federal CDBG dollars toward two permanently affordable homes in Franklin. The items passed unanimously and will guide city operations and capital spending going forward.

Votes at a glance: - Ordinance 2025-24 (amend Title 23 — Stormwater Management): Approved unanimously. The ordinance revises conditions, clarifies requirements and corrects grammatical and typographical errors in the city stormwater code. (Transcript reference: 694.52–732.52.)

- Resolution RS2025-45 (amend ordinance 2003-52 — property tax relief program adjustments): Approved unanimously. The resolution modifies local assistance for eligible residents in accordance with the Tennessee Property Tax Relief Act. (Transcript reference: 733.23–787.42.)

- Ordinance 2025-43 (amend Title 5, Chapter 7, Sec. 705 — hotel-motel occupancy tax collection/refund): Approved unanimously. The change updates collection and refund language to align with recent state law changes; it does not increase the hotel-motel tax rate. (Transcript reference: 787.88–856.55.)

- Resolution 2025-85 (FY26–35 Capital Investment Plan amendment): Approved unanimously. The Board adopted a revised capital plan for the FY26–35 period. (Transcript reference: 856.77–895.12.)

- City of Franklin Contract 2025-0346 with Habitat for Humanity (Williamson/Murray): Approved unanimously. The contract authorizes reimbursement from Community Development Block Grant funds for construction of two new affordable, deed-restricted single-family homes at 409 Natchez St. and 1209 Mulberry St. The homes will be deed restricted for 30 years, with affordability protections tied to each subsequent deed transfer. Board discussion noted this is the first local Habitat partnership of this type since 2018. (Transcript reference: 895.68–989.52.)

- Procurement award to Polydyn Inc., Riceboro, Ga., for sludge polymer: Approved unanimously. Contract amount listed in the agenda and approved at the meeting: $172,273.59. (Transcript reference: 1004.81–1024.36.)

Other business and public notes: City staff reminded residents that early voting runs through Oct. 23, with election day on Oct. 28 (7 a.m.–7 p.m.). Staff introduced Walter Denton as the city’s new assistant city administrator for community and economic development; the city’s longtime incumbent will retire in December. The Board also noted community events including Pumpkin Fest on Oct. 25 and a naming ceremony for the Pastor Hewlett C. Sawyer Historic Highway on Oct. 25 at West Harpeth Church.

Quote: "Early voting is underway. It runs through October 23," City staff member Mr. Stuckey said during the meeting while announcing voting locations and hours and introducing Walter Denton.

What the board voted on and next steps: All items on the consent and regular agenda passed by unanimous roll call; the meeting record shows "yes" votes from Aldermen Barnhill, Blanton, Caesar, Peterson, Burger, Brown, Vice Mayor Potts and Alderman Baggett for each recorded item. Where ordinances were amended the changes take effect according to the city’s codification process; the CDBG-funded Habitat reimbursements and the procurement award will be implemented per the terms in the respective contract documents and purchase orders.

The Board adjourned at the close of the session; its next regular meeting is scheduled for Nov. 11, 2025.