ORDINANCE NO. BL2011-918

An Ordinance amending Title 2 of the Metropolitan Code to create a Metropolitan community garden commission.

WHEREAS, all citizens of the Metropolitan Government should have access to nutritious, affordable, sustainable and regionally grown food; and

WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Government should be a model advocate for increasing access to affordable, healthy food, and to promote a sustainable food system; and

WHEREAS, Nashville was one of 44 communities to receive the federal Communities Putting Prevention to Work grant, with a purpose of implementing a campaign to facilitate healthy eating and active living; and

WHEREAS, in July 2009, the Metropolitan Council enacted Ordinance No. BL2009-479 to create a new land use in the zoning code specifically for community gardens, which are allowed in the agricultural, residential, commercial, and industrial zoning districts; and

WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the public welfare that a Community Garden Commission be established for the Metropolitan Government to promote the concept of community gardening in Nashville and to identify areas in Nashville that are suitable for community gardens.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ENACTED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. That Title 2 of the Metropolitan Code is hereby amended by adding the following new Chapter 2.158:

2.158 COMMUNITY GARDEN COMMISSION
2.158.010 - Establishment/Membership.

A community garden commission is established for Nashville and Davidson County, to be composed of the following members:
A. Five persons appointed by the mayor, who shall serve without compensation, and who shall serve for terms of three years, except that, of the members first appointed, two shall serve for a term of one year, two shall serve for a term of two years, and three shall serve for a term of three years;
B. Two members of the metropolitan council selected by the vice mayor. Such council members selected shall serve for a term not to exceed two years, which terms shall begin within sixty days after council elections, and sixty days after the middle of the councilmanic term;
C. Five employees of the metropolitan government, serving as nonvoting ex officio members, representing related departments, as follows:
1. The mayor or his designee;
2. The executive director of the Nashville farmers’ market;
3. The director of the planning commission or his designee;
4. The director of the department of health or his designee;
5. The director of the department of parks and recreation or his designee.

2.158.020 - Duties and responsibilities.

A. The community garden commission shall have the following duties and responsibilities:
1. To identify areas of the county which are appropriate for the development of community gardens;
2. To develop a long-range, comprehensive community garden plan for the county;
3. To promote the concept of community gardens throughout the area of the metropolitan government on both public and private property;
4. To educate the public about the health and environmental benefits associated with locally-grown fresh fruits and vegetables;
5. To provide educational opportunities focused on gardening;
6. To identify funding sources for community gardens and means of encouraging the donation of land or easements for community gardens; and
7. To involve citizens in the planning process to the maximum extent feasible.
B. The community garden commission shall not be deemed to be an official board or commission of the metropolitan government.

Section 2. This Ordinance shall take effect from and after its passage, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Lonnell Matthews, Sandra Moore