RESOLUTION NO. RS2010-1317

A resolution requesting the Mayor and the Metropolitan Board of Parks and Recreation to consider planting a live evergreen tree at Public Square Park for use as the annual official Metropolitan Government Christmas tree.

WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Government has a longstanding tradition of harvesting a mature evergreen tree for use as the official Christmas/Holiday tree in downtown Nashville; and

WHEREAS, Mayor Karl Dean created the Green Ribbon Committee on Environmental Sustainability by executive order to recommend targets that will help transform Nashville into the “greenest” city in the southeast and ensure that Nashville is a leader in environmental quality; and

WHEREAS, in its report to the Mayor, the Green Ribbon Committee recommended that Nashville take action to protect and enhance its urban forest; and

WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Council is concerned that harvesting a mature evergreen tree each year for use as the Metro Christmas/Holiday Tree is inconsistent with the goal of protecting our urban forest; and

WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the Metropolitan Government plant a live evergreen tree at Public Square Park that could be decorated for years to come without harming the environment, which would serve as a reminder of environmental sustainability.

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 Mayor and the Metropolitan Board of Parks and Recreation to consider planting a live evergreen tree at Public Square Park for use as the annual official Metropolitan Government Christmas tree.

Section 2. The Metropolitan Clerk is directed to send a copy of this Resolution to Mayor Karl Dean, to Parks Interim Director Tommy Lynch, and to each member of the Metropolitan Board of Parks and Recreation.

Section 3. 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: Karen Bennett