A resolution requesting Governor Phil Bredesen, the Davidson County Delegation to the Tennessee General Assembly, the entire Tennessee General Assembly, the Tennessee Department of Safety, Mayor Bill Purcell, and the Metropolitan Department of Public Works to create a uniform system for placing memorial markers at sites where traffic fatalities occur.

WHEREAS, according to Tennessee Department of Safety reports, there were 1,298 traffic-related fatalities on Tennessee roadways during 2004; and

WHEREAS, family members and loved ones of persons killed in traffic accidents often place roadside memorial markers, including crosses, flower wreaths, and signs, to honor and remember the deceased; and

WHEREAS, most of the temporary roadside markers are constructed using materials that cannot withstand the elements; and

WHEREAS, a uniform system of placing permanent, uniform markers at the sites of traffic fatalities would better honor the deceased and would provide a lasting memorial that could be seen for years to come; and

WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the State of Tennessee and the Metropolitan Government create a uniform system of placing roadside memorials at traffic fatality sites.

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 Governor Phil Bredesen, the Davidson County Delegation to the Tennessee General Assembly, the entire Tennessee General Assembly, the Tennessee Department of Safety, Mayor Bill Purcell, and the Metropolitan Department of Public Works to create a uniform system for placing memorial markers at sites where traffic fatalities occur.

Section 2. The Metropolitan Clerk is directed to send a copy of this Resolution to Governor Phil Bredesen and to each member of the Tennessee General Assembly.

Section 3. The Governor's Office, the Davidson County Delegation to the Tennessee General Assembly, the Department of Safety, the Mayor and the Department of Public Works are further requested to respond to the Council regarding the request stated in Section 1 hereof within ninety (90) days from the adoption of this Resolution.

Section 4. That 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: Ludye Wallace, Pam Murray