ADOPTED 05/18/1999

RESOLUTION NO. R99-1543

A resolution requesting the Human Relations Commission to be the lead agency in Metro to make policy recommendations to improve services to residents of Davidson County whose first language is not English.

WHEREAS, the number of residents of Davidson County who have immigrated here from another country has been estimated to be as high as 82,000 persons, and;

WHEREAS, language barriers have created difficulties in providing services to some residents of Davidson County, and;

WHEREAS, there is not currently a department within Metropolitan Government that has been designated to focus on how Metro can improve the delivery of services to foreign-born residents of Davidson County, and;

WHEREAS, the ad hoc International committee recommended that the Human Relations Commission be designated as the point agency within Metro to monitor Metro departments and make recommendations to the Mayor and council about improving policies related to providing services to foreign-born residents of Davidson County, and;

WHEREAS, the mission of the Human Relations Commission is to protect and promote the personal dignity of all people by protecting and promoting their safety, health, security, peace, and general welfare, and;

WHEREAS, the Human Relations Commission is to accomplish their mission by proposing legislation addressing human relations issues in the general services district and enhancing the enforcement of statutes and ordinances that already exist; and by fostering mutual understanding, tolerance, and respect among all economic, social, religious, ethnic, and other community groups by working with existing educational, religious, governmental, social and community agencies.

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

SECTION 1. The Metropolitan Council goes on record as requesting that the Human Relations Commission monitor how departments of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County are providing services to foreign-born residents and make policy recommendations to the council about how those services can be improved.

SECTION 2. The Human Relations Commission would be requested to make reports at least annually to the Council about the progress Metro is making in providing services to foreign-born residents of Davidson County as well as potential problems that the Commission believes Metro needs to address.

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: Chris Ferrell

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY
Referred to:	Rules & Confirmations Committee
Introduced:	May 18, 1999
Adopted:	May 18, 1999
Approved:	May 24, 1999
By: