A resolution requesting the Metropolitan Board of Parks and Recreation to reimburse patrons of the Tennessee Association of Craft Artists festival for the towing charges resulting from parking in undesignated areas.

WHEREAS, during the Tennessee Association of Craft Artists (TACA) festival held at Centennial Park the weekend of September 29th through October 1st, 74 cars were towed and 162 parking citations were issued for parking in the grass or on unmarked pavement; and

WHEREAS, approximately 40,000 people attended the TACA festival, yet there are only 435 designated parking spaces in Centennial Park; and

WHEREAS, for many years, patrons of the TACA festival have parked on the grass at Centennial Park without encountering any issues as to the legality of the parking; and

WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Parks Department made no effort to warn patrons of the TACA festival that parking on the grass was prohibited; and

WHEREAS, the actions of the Parks Department could have a major negative impact on the attendance of future events at Centennial Park; and

WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the Metropolitan Board of Parks and Recreation refund the towing charges for TACA festival patrons that were ticketed and towed for parking in "undesignated" areas of Centennial Park.

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 Board of Parks and Recreation to reimburse patrons of the Tennessee Association of Craft Artists festival for the towing charges resulting from parking in undesignated areas.

Section 2. The Metropolitan Clerk is directed to send a copy of this Resolution to Parks & Recreation Director Roy Wilson and Members of the Board of Parks and Recreation.

Section 3. The Metropolitan Board of Parks and Recreation is further requested to respond to the Council as to the action taken in compliance with the request stated in Section 1 hereof not later than sixty (60) days after 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: Charlie Tygard, Vivian Wilhoite