ARP Meeting 11/10 — Sandra Sepulveda For Council

We had several items we took up for funding along with amendment discussions.

Item 1: Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp $750,000

This was approved for recommendation. As a reminder they did receive a grant from the state for $500,000 that they were able to use to keep some events that might not have happened otherwise occurred. The ask is only to help fund these events for one year. They will not be taking any overhead.

Item 2: Affordable Housing

It was approved for recommendation.

Part 1: Catalyst Fund $10 Million

This was one of the recommendations Mayor Cooper’s Affordable Housing Task Force. Other cities have similar programs. It was recommended to try and move more quickly though the process where the Barnes Fund might not be able to. Quite frankly, knowing that Beth Shinn was on this task force and took part in recommending this approach along with the task force is why I am supporting instead of pushing for all of it going to Barnes. If the task force believes that this approach is innovative and will help create affordable units quicker, then I am for it. There would be a RFP process to find a intermediary to manage. The contract would have to come to the council for approval. I believe we should setup oversight procedures. An example was if there is a board setup by the manager to make decisions, we add a CM on the board. Catalyst would help secure property and Barnes would step in long term.

Part 2: Centralized Housing Platform $200,000

This would be to fund a software program to centralize every affordable unit. This would also centralize the application process. This was run by some of the providers and work shopped. Providers would be helping input the information. I believe this is a great idea. I know from personal experience during the flood how hard it was to help find affordable units.

Part 3: Barnes Fund $10 Million

If approved the grant round would be open 2022 and would keep the units affordable for 30 years. As a reminder the Housing Trust Fund is the body that votes on funding and then it comes to council. Money is reimbursed to the developers. Hannah Davis will be reaching out to providers to see if there are any more gaps we can identify.

It is estimated that 10 million can create between 400-600 affordable units.

Item 3: Additional Fleets for Metro Agencies (Vehicle Purchase $9,069,614, Vehicle Rental (MWS) $2,380,640)

I did push for the separation of the two ask. I did vote for the trash truck rentals. I did not vote for the vehicle purchases.

Trash pick up is a big issue especially is SE. Some of our trucks aren’t working properly. Trash trucks are to be rented for 6 months. We can end the contract early if they are not needed. We have already ordered 9 trucks. We are hoping to have them in June. CSP this year included 10 additional trucks.

I have several issue with the other request. I feel that we need further discussion. I suspect this might be another recommendation that might not sail through council.

Item 4: HVAC Upgrades $7,226,000

This was approved for recommendation. These are CDC recommendations.

Amendments:

The last items we discussed were the amendments to the park’s request. One amendment that was proposed by CM Sledge eliminates cameras. The other amendment proposed by another CM eliminates heavy equipment. I am in support of both amendments. The committee did not take a position on the amendments. Some committee members did not feel comfortable taking a position because no one from the Mayor’s office and parks was there to answer questions. The committee did express interest in taking a position on future amendments because we might be able to provide valuable information.

Update on community input:

We received draft questions for community input that will setup a survey process on Hub Nashville as to community priories for ARP funds. We should have more information next meeting. In the meantime we are sending questions and recommendations to the Mary Jo with Finance.