ARP Committee 10/13

We had our meeting last week in which we took up five items. They will be going to the council for a vote at our next meeting.

Item 1: Covid Emergency Response Request

Metro asked for $902,340 for covid response and $10 million for a reserve fund. Ultimately, there were some concerns about having a reserve fund so early. The committee did approve a recommendation for $1 million for covid response without itemization.

Item 2: OEM Covid Response Fleet and Technology for $996,500. It was approved unanimously.

Item 3: Social Services and Homeless Impact Division $1,541,400

I believe it is important to also state that MDHA has around 9 Million in HOME funds. I was told that they would probably be using these funds to do some long term planning. The ask that was before the committee is meant to be a short term response. The idea is that if some of these strategies work, there will be no need to have this type of funding again. I would take note of the transportation grant that would provide pick-up routes in North, South, East, and West Nashville. Also excited about the flex team.

Item 4: Parks Homeless Encampment Equipment $1,933,000

I did not vote for this legislation. I have several concerns. While I agree that parks does not receive enough funding, this would not be what I would choose to fund. There are already some cameras in several of our parks. We did ask in committee for data on crimes solved. “As for the crimes solved via camera, we are not able to produce this information for a couple of reasons. MNPD does not collect specific data regarding crimes solved via camera. Any information regarding camera footage being used to solve a crime would be contained in an investigative report.”- Director Odom. The recommendation will now go to the council for a vote.

Item 5: FUSE Corps Fellowship $150,000

The program places fellows in different departments. The program would start in November. Fellows would go through a vetting process that the departments would take part in. These funds would be matched. The program is to advance racial equity in affordable housing, mitigate disasters, and review afterschool programs. These are all topics several of us on the council and in the community have wanted to see funded and studied. You can read more below.