ADOPTED 01/05/1999

RESOLUTION NO. R99-1384

A resolution honoring Mr. Gene Ward upon his retirement from service with the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County.

WHEREAS, on December 31, 1998, Gene Ward retired from service with the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County after 45 years of dedicated service; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Ward was hired in 1953 when the old City of Nashville first formed the Nashville Parking Board, and he was instrumental in the process of planning and installing the first parking meters in Nashville; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Ward’s expertise in Nashville’s traffic and parking issues enabled him to advance quickly in the Traffic and Parking Department, being promoted to Assistant Director of the Parking Authority in 1957, and advancing to Director of Parking in 1963; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Ward was responsible for directing construction and management of Metro’s three parking garages and surface lots; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Ward was directly responsible for development and implementation of the Meter Maid enforcement program in 1958, now known as Parking Patrol; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Ward was one of the first members of the International Municipal Parking Congress, first serving as a member of the Board of Directors and later as President of the organization, representing the United States and 28 foreign countries; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Ward gave generously of his time and talents by serving on numerous Chamber of Commerce and private business committees, and various Metro Government boards and committees; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Ward served under five Metropolitan Government Mayors, including Ben West, Beverly Briley, Richard Fulton, Bill Boner and Philip Bredesen; and

WHEREAS, during his tenure, Mr. Ward witnessed many changes to Downtown Nashville, including business, culture, development, and traffic and parking related issues; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Ward’s vast knowledge of the Metropolitan Government and his expertise of Nashville’s traffic and parking patterns will be sorely missed; and

WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the Metropolitan Council honor Mr. Gene Ward for his outstanding service to the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County.

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

SECTION 1. That the Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record as honoring Mr. Gene Ward upon his retirement after 45 years of dedicated service with the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County.

SECTION 2. The Metropolitan Clerk is directed to prepare a hand lettered scroll to be presented to Mr. Gene Ward.

SECTION 3. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored By: Ron Nollner

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY
Referred to:	Rules & Confirmations Committee
Introduced:	January 5, 1999
Adopted:	January 5, 1999
Approved:	January 7, 1999
By: