Rules committee approves late zoning, honors and several board appointments; consolidated confirmations pass

The Rules, Confirmations & Public Elections Committee met April 1 and approved two late-filed zoning ordinances for a proposed mixed-use development along Dickerson Pike, consolidated several consent resolutions and confirmed multiple board and commission appointments, including a nominee to the Emergency Communications (9-1-1) Board and a member of the Fire and Building Codes Board.

The committee voted to take up two companion late-file zoning ordinances that would rezone property along Dickerson Pike and authorize specific-plan building-material requirements to permit a mixed-use development. The committee approved both on a consolidated vote, recorded in committee as 8 in favor, 0 against, 0 not voting.

The meeting also carried a consent agenda of three resolutions, read into the record and approved without removal. The consent items included a resolution setting the date, time and location for the 2025 Metropolitan Government address (sponsored by Pepsi), a resolution stating Metro Nashville and Davidson County’s support for preserving the federal tax exemption for municipal bonds, and a resolution honoring Metropolitan Nashville Police Department North Precinct Commander Anthony McLean; those items were approved as part of consent.

The committee considered a separate resolution honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Charles Kimbrough; a substitute clarifying whereas clauses was filed and approved. The committee recorded the substitute and then approved the resolution as substituted.

Votes at a glance: - Late-file zoning ordinances for Dickerson Pike specific plan (consolidated): passed 8–0–0. Sponsor: Chair Toomes (late-file). Purpose: permit mixed-use development; planning commission had approved the companion items. (Transcript: consolidated vote recorded 8 in favor.) - Consent agenda (three resolutions, including memorial for Anthony McLean): approved (vote recorded 6–0–0 at the time read into record for those items). - RS 2025-11-32 (honoring Dr. Charles Kimbrough), substitute adopted and resolution approved (vote recorded 6–0–0). - Emergency Communications District (9‑1‑1) Board — Brian Pettus, term to 02/14/2029: confirmed by committee (vote recorded 8–0–0). Pettus described his telecommunications experience and said he would abstain from AT&T-related activities if confirmed. Council Member Johnston urged him to shadow 9‑1‑1 staff to understand daily operations and retention challenges. Pettus said he could coordinate follow-up information and briefings. - Fire and Building Codes Board — Amy Hardin, term to 03/01/2029: confirmed by committee (vote recorded 8–0–0). Hardin said her volunteer work with the American Institute of Architects motivated her interest and that appeals would be evaluated against current adopted codes. - Consolidated board and commission confirmations (civil service, planning commission, business licensing, solid waste regional board, Traffic and Parking Commission): consolidated vote recorded as 7 in favor, 0 against, 0 not voting at the time announced.

Why it matters: The zoning actions move a Dickerson Pike mixed-use proposal forward to public hearing, and the confirmed appointments fill seats on boards that oversee public safety communications and building code appeals. The committee also used a substitute resolution to clarify language in a memorial resolution.

Committee context and next steps: Committee members noted that the development team requested a May public hearing to comply with contractual timelines. The committee chair announced a specially called rules meeting the following Thursday at 4:00 p.m. in the council chamber for an update from the working group on boards and commissions, with Legislative Affairs Director Dave Rosenberg scheduled to present.

Speakers quoted or referenced in this article: Chair Evans (chair, Rules Committee), Vice Chair Cash (vice chair), Council Member Johnston (council member), Council Member Suara (sponsor of the substitute resolution), Chair Toomes (late-file sponsor), Brian Pettus (9‑1‑1 nominee), Amy Hardin (Fire and Building Codes Board nominee), Dave Rosenberg (Director of Legislative Affairs, mayor's office), Council Member Kimbrough.

Clarifying details: 1) The two zoning items were presented and approved together as companion ordinances to permit a mixed-use specific plan along Dickerson Pike; the planning commission had approved the proposals earlier. 2) Brian Pettus told the committee he works for AT&T and would abstain from AT&T matters if confirmed. 3) Amy Hardin said appeals would be evaluated against adopted building codes and noted there are often nuanced exceptions that require review of the reason for an appeal.

Ending: The approved zoning items, confirmations and resolutions now proceed per the council rules and scheduling; the committee signaled additional rule- and boards-related work at the specially called meeting later in the week.