RESOLUTION NO. RS2013-808

A resolution recognizing John W. “Billy” Lynch for his 45 years of outstanding service to the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County.

WHEREAS, John W. “Billy” Lynch is retiring in August 2013 after serving the Metropolitan Government in various roles under six mayors for the past 45 years; and

WHEREAS, a native of Nashville, Billy Lynch began his service with the Metropolitan Government Human Resources Department in 1968 upon his graduation from Middle Tennessee State University with a Bachelor of Science degree; and

WHEREAS, at the age of 25, Billy became the youngest Assistant Director of any department in the Metropolitan Government; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Lynch went on to obtain a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Middle Tennessee State University and was appointed Chief Deputy Sheriff in 1979, a position in which he served for eight years; and

WHEREAS, in 1987, Billy Lynch returned to the Human Resources Department as Director where he gained valuable managerial experience and became familiar with all aspects of the Metropolitan Government; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Lynch was appointed as Interim Fire Chief from 2000 to 2001, prior to returning to his Director position in the Human Resources Department where he oversaw the merger of the Benefit Board and the Human Resources Department; and

WHEREAS, once again relying on Billy Lynch’s exemplary leadership abilities, Mayor Bill Purcell appointed him as the Director of the Department of Public Works in 2002 where he served until 2012; and

WHEREAS, while acting as Public Works Director, Mr. Lynch assiduously worked to ensure the delivery of high quality right-of-way maintenance and solid waste services to the public, all while decreasing the number of budgeted employee positions by twenty-seven percent; and

WHEREAS, arguably the finest display of Billy Lynch’s skills as a manager and a true public servant was during the recovery from the catastrophic 2010 flood, where Mr. Lynch and his staff organized and directed the massive clean-up of the city in less than 30 days; and

WHEREAS, in April 2012, Mayor Karl Dean was again appointed Mr. Lynch as Interim Director/Chief of the Nashville Fire Department where he oversaw a comprehensive audit of upper level management practices within the Department and has been able to increase critical ambulance coverage to the residents of Davidson County by a more efficient utilization of existing staff; and

WHEREAS, Billy Lynch’s service and accomplishments are evidence of his love for this city and its people, and epitomize the role of a public servant for other employees to model.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. The Metropolitan Council hereby goes on record as recognizing John W. “Billy” Lynch on the occasion of his retirement, and thanking him for his many faithful years of service to the Metropolitan Government.

Section 2. The Metropolitan Clerk’s Office is directed to prepare a hand-lettered scroll to be presented to Billy Lynch upon his retirement.

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: Ronnie Steine, Charlie Tygard

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY
Referred to:	Rules & Confirmations Committee
Introduced:	August 20, 2013
Adopted:	August 20, 2013
Approved:	August 22, 2013
By: