Public commenter warns CRB of surveillance procurement route; board votes to send letter to mayor and council

A public commenter told the Community Review Board that a proposed memorandum of understanding and procurement route could circumvent Metro code requiring a public hearing before acquiring surveillance technology, and the board voted to draft a letter to express concern.

Steven Watts urged the CRB to advise Metro Council that routing surveillance funding through a private nonprofit raises legal and oversight questions. Watts cited Metro code language that requires council approval and a public hearing prior to entering agreements to "acquire, share, or otherwise use surveillance technology," and argued that the mayor's proposed MOU with the Nashville Downtown Partnership could sidestep that requirement.

Board members responded with concern about speed and transparency. One member recommended the CRB exercise its authority as an oversight entity to request a pause and for the board to be part of auditing any surveillance installed downtown. Board discussion emphasized the need to clarify who would own, operate, and share data from any system and whether such arrangements could strip public oversight.

A motion to draft and send a letter to the mayor and Metro Council asking for clarification and a pause on the MOU process was made and seconded; the motion passed by voice vote. The motion asked that the letter be signed by the outgoing chair and represent the board's concerns about process, potential conflicts with Metro law, and the need for public hearings and oversight.

The board also noted Metro Council would consider related matters at a public committee meeting the next day and urged community members to follow the council process. The CRB will circulate a draft letter for board review before transmitting it to council.