RESOLUTION NO. RS2016-412

A resolution authorizing the execution and delivery of an economic development incentive grant agreement between The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County and The Country Music Film Project, LLC/WETA.

WHEREAS, The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County (the “Metropolitan Government”) is vitally interested in the economic welfare of the citizens living within the area of the Metropolitan Government (such area, the “City”) and wishes to provide the leadership necessary to enhance this area's capabilities for growth and development; and,

WHEREAS, the provision of quality jobs to area citizens by local business is both necessary and vital to the economic well-being of the Metropolitan Government; and,

WHEREAS, The Country Music Film Project, LLC/WETA (the “Company”) production of the eight-episode Ken Burns documentary series Country Music on the Public Broadcasting Station will provide a tremendous benefit to the citizens of the City through the unprecedented national and international promotional value it will provide through an in-depth look tracing the growth and evolution of country music and how the City played a part in the rise of its worldwide popularity; and,

WHEREAS, the production of the Country Music documentary is a once in a generation promotional vehicle and business recruitment tool for our City and is expected to garner over thirty million viewers for its initial broadcast and tens of millions more in rebroadcasts and DVD distributions; and,

WHEREAS, like other Ken Burns documentaries, the Country Music series is anticipated to have a positive impact on cultural tourism growth in the City, in that it will highlight local artists, locations, and history, resulting in an economic benefit to local businesses and residents through a growth in tourism; and,

WHEREAS, pursuant to Tenn. Code Ann. § 5-9-101(26), the Metropolitan Government is authorized to use available funds to make grants for economic and community development purposes; and,

WHEREAS, pursuant to Ordinance No. BL2016-232, One Million Three Hundred Seventy-Five Thousand dollars ($1,375,000) have been appropriated to department number 01101637 related to Music and Entertainment Economic Development and Film Initiatives for, among other things, the specific purpose of funding the Three Hundred Seventy-Five Thousand dollar ($375,000) Economic Development Incentive Grant Agreement (the “Grant Agreement”) attached as Exhibit A; and,

WHEREAS, it is in the interest and welfare of the citizens of the Metropolitan Government to approve and execute the Grant Agreement with the Company in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A.

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

Section 1. The terms and provisions of the Grant Agreement by and between the Metropolitan Government and the Company substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A are hereby approved.

Section 2. The Metropolitan Mayor of the Metropolitan Government (the “Metropolitan Mayor”) is hereby authorized, empowered and directed to execute and deliver the Grant Agreement in the name and on behalf of the Metropolitan Government in the form now before this meeting. From and after the execution and delivery of the Grant Agreement, the officers of the Metropolitan Government or any of them, are hereby authorized, empowered and directed to do all such acts and things and to execute all such documents as may be necessary to carry out and comply with the provisions of the Grant Agreement as executed.

Section 3. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the Metropolitan Government's obligation to make any payments hereunder is contingent upon the appropriation of funds for such purpose by the Metropolitan Council.

Section 4. Any amendment(s), change(s), or extension(s) of the Grant Agreement shall be approved by resolution of the Metropolitan Council receiving twenty-one affirmative votes.

Section 5. This resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of the Metropolitan Government requiring it.

Sponsored by: John Cooper

If you would like a copy of the attachment to any ordinance or resolution, please email your request to the Metro Clerk's Office at metro.clerk@nashville.gov

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY
Referred to:	Budget & Finance Committee
Introduced:	November 1, 2016
Adopted:	November 1, 2016
Approved:	November 2, 2016
By: