A resolution requesting the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department to take the necessary steps to secure funding for and purchase surveillance equipment to monitor illegal dumping and littering.

WHEREAS, Chapter 24 of Title 10 of the Metropolitan Cod of Laws makes it illegal to litter within the area of the Metropolitan Government; and

WHEREAS, Tennessee Code Annotated §39-14-502 designates criminal littering as a Class B misdemeanor and provides for penalties consisting of a fine between $200.00 and $500.00, as well as mandatory litter removal from public locations; and

WHEREAS, a recent article in the The Tennessean stated that 262 tons of trash are picked up alongside Tennessee roadways, costing between $1.5 and $2.0 million; and

WHEREAS, certain areas within the Metropolitan Government are frequently used for illegal littering; and

WHEREAS, it is often difficult to prosecute persons for illegal littering because of a lack of proof as to who actually performed the illegal dumping activities; and

WHEREAS, surveillance equipment at sites that are subject to frequent illegal dumping would enable law enforcement officers to obtain proof to assist in the prosecution of the offenders; and

WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department take the necessary steps to purchase such surveillance equipment to monitor illegal dumping and litter.

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 requesting the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department to take the necessary steps to secure funding for and purchase surveillance equipment to monitor illegal dumping and littering.

Section 2. That the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department is further requested to respond to the Council within sixty (60) days of the date of the adoption of this Resolution as to the feasibility of and/or action taken in compliance with the request stated in Section 1 hereof.

Section 3. That the Metropolitan Clerk is directed to send a certified copy of this Resolution to Police Chief Ronal Serpas.

Section 4. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.