A resolution requesting the Metropolitan General Services Department to install Plexiglas between the Council Chamber and the public seating area as an additional security measure.

WHEREAS, the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, raised security concerns to an unprecedented level, especially at public buildings; and

WHEREAS, in 2003, New York City Councilman James Davis was shot to death at New York City Hall, which further escalated concerns about security measures in government buildings across the country; and

WHEREAS, on March 11, 2005, a Superior Court Judge Rowland W. Barnes, court reporter Julie Ann Brandau, and sheriff deputy Hoyt Teasley were shot and killed at the Fulton County, Georgia Courthouse, which brought to light the lack of courthouse security at the building; and

WHEREAS, at the March 2005 Metropolitan Council public hearing, a Member of Council was physically touched during the meeting by a person sitting in the public seating area; and

WHEREAS, the placement of the public seating area next to the Metropolitan Council Chamber, without any wall or partition between the two, poses a security risk to Members of Council; and

WHEREAS, to ensure that Members of Council are protected, it is fitting and proper that a Plexiglas wall be constructed alongside the Council Chamber as an additional security measure.

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 General Services Department to review the security measures in place for the Metropolitan Council Chamber and consider implementing additional security measures.

Section 2. The Metropolitan Clerk is directed to send a certified copy of this Resolution to the director of the General Services Department.

Section 3. The General Services Department is further requested to report to the Metropolitan Council within sixty (60) days as to the feasibility of and/or actions taken in compliance with this Resolution.

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.

Sponsored by: Jim Gotto, Jim Forkum