RESOLUTION NO. RS2010-1107

A resolution encouraging Mayor Karl Dean to include appropriate funding for the Excessive Vegetation Growth Program as part of the proposed fiscal year 2010-2011 operating budget for the Metropolitan Government.

WHEREAS, Tennessee Code Annotated § 6-54-113 authorizes municipalities to take action to remedy the unsightly and obnoxious growth of trees, vines, grass or undergrowth, and to record a lien on the property for the remedial costs to the government; and

WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Council adopted Ordinance No. O82-1036 on October 5, 1982, which allows the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County to control the excessive growth of such weeds, trees, and underbrush; and

WHEREAS, the Excessive Vegetation Growth Program played a vital role in having real property located in Metropolitan Nashville and Davidson County cleared of excessive growth of weeds, trees, and underbrush; and

WHEREAS, the clearing of properties of excessive vegetation growth stabilized the neighboring environment and prevented the devaluing of neighboring properties; and

WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County discontinued funding this excessive vegetation growth program with the adoption of the fiscal year 2004-2005 operating budget; and

WHEREAS, the Excessive Vegetation Growth Program has remained in the Metropolitan Code of Laws, but Metropolitan Nashville and Davidson County has not funded this program since the 2004-2005 fiscal year; and

WHEREAS, as a result of the Metropolitan Government’s failure to fund this program, the number of properties in Metropolitan Nashville and Davidson County having excessive vegetation growth has rapidly increased, which is having a detrimental impact on the neighboring properties.

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 encouraging Mayor Karl Dean to include appropriate funding for the Excessive Vegetation Growth Program as part of the proposed fiscal year 2010-2011 operating budget for the Metropolitan Government.

Section 2. That the Metropolitan Clerk is directed to send a copy of this Resolution to the Mayor, to the Director of Finance, to the Director of the Department of Codes Administration, and to the Director of the Health Department.

Section 3. 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: Bruce Stanley