nyuuzyou/wikis huggingface dataset:
Nashville, TN In Support of Legislation to Outlaw Predatory Lending Practices

Type: Resolution
Status: Adopted on 11/16/04
Source File: http://www.nashville.gov/mc/resolutions/rs2004_606.htm
Text:
RESOLUTION NO. RS2004-606
A resolution requesting the Davidson County Delegation to the Tennessee General Assembly to support legislation that would outlaw predatory lending practices in Tennessee.
WHEREAS, the practice of predatory lending is a serious stumbling block for persons seeking to climb out of poverty and achieve homeowner status; and
WHEREAS, according to the Journal of Affordable Housing, predatory lending practices are characterized by charging large fees and high interest rates, adding unneeded credit insurance, promoting loans with prepayment penalties and balloon payments, and the practice of “loan flipping”; and
WHEREAS, predatory lenders target unsuspecting senior citizens and low-income residents because they are most vulnerable to being taken advantage of; and
WHEREAS, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, Florida, Colorado, and the city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania have all enacted predatory lending regulations; and
WHEREAS, legislation has been filed with the Tennessee General Assembly that would outlaw predatory lending practices in Tennessee, but has been unable to move forward toward passage; and
WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the Davidson County Delegation to the Tennessee General Assembly support the pending legislation in an effort to help curb the practice of predatory lending in the city of Nashville and in this state as a whole.
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 Davidson County Delegation to the Tennessee General Assembly to support legislation that would outlaw predatory lending practices in Tennessee.
Section 2. That the Metropolitan Clerk is directed to send a certified copy of this Resolution to each member of the Davidson County Delegation to the General Assembly.
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.
Category:City-County Governments
Category:Nashville
Category:Predatory Lending
Category:Resolutions
Category:Tennessee
Nashville, TN In Support of Open and Complete Financial Disclosure

Type: Resolution
Status: Adopted on 11/18/03
Source File: http://www.nashville.gov/mc/resolutions/rs2003_33.htm
Text:
RESOLUTION NO. RS2003-33
A resolution requesting the Davidson County Delegation to the Tennessee General Assembly to introduce and enact the necessary legislation to allow the Metropolitan County Council to enact legislation which requires more open and complete disclosure of financial information in elections for positions created by the Metropolitan Charter of Nashville and Davidson County.
WHEREAS, the Campaign Disclosure Project recently ranked Tennessee 46th out of the 50 states in terms of Tennessee’s disclosure laws on campaign contributions; and
WHEREAS, the Metropolitan County Council seeks to require more open and complete disclosure of financial information by candidates for election to positions created by the Metropolitan Charter of Nashville and Davidson County; and
WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the citizens of Nashville and Davidson County, as well as of the citizens of the State of Tennessee, that the State campaign finance laws be amended to allow the requirement of more open and complete disclosure in local elections.
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 Davidson County Delegation to the Tennessee General Assembly to introduce and enact the necessary legislation to allow the Metropolitan County Council to enact legislation which requires more open and complete disclosure of financial information in elections for positions created by the Metropolitan Charter of Nashville and Davidson County.
Section 2. That the Metropolitan Clerk is directed to send a certified copy of this Resolution to each member of the Davidson County Delegation to the Tennessee General Assembly.
Section 3. That this Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.
Category:Campaign Finance
Category:City-County Governments
Category:Nashville
Category:Resolutions
Category:Tennessee
Nashville, TN In Support of Voter Verified Paper Ballot Systems

Type: Resolution
Status: Adopted on 1/18/08
Source File: http://www.nashville.gov/mc/resolutions/term_2007_2011/rs2008_135.html
Text:
RESOLUTION NO. RS2008-135
A resolution requesting the Davidson County Delegation to the Tennessee General Assembly to introduce and enact the necessary legislation to require voter verified paper ballot systems for all elections.
WHEREAS, in order to comply with federal law, 93 of the 95 counties in Tennessee have purchased new electronic touch-screen voting machines; and
WHEREAS, these new voting machines, which made their debut in the November 2006 election, caused numerous problems statewide, including the failure of a voting machine’s circuitry in Knox County and voters at the Cora Howe School in Nashville waiting in line until midnight to cast their vote; and
WHEREAS, according to a report by the Tennessee Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations, Tennessee is one of a dozen states that do not maintain paper receipts of votes; and
WHEREAS, the legislatures in 27 states have passed laws mandating that all electronic voting machines either use or produce voter verifiable paper ballots; and
WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that Tennessee General Assembly require back-up paper ballots with the electronic voting machines for all elections to help protect the rights of Tennessee voters to ensure that their votes count.
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 Davidson County Delegation to the Tennessee General Assembly to introduce and enact the necessary legislation to require voter verified paper ballot systems for all elections.
Section 2. The Metropolitan Clerk is directed to send a copy of this Resolution to each member of the Davidson County Delegation to the Tennessee General Assembly.
Section 3. That this Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.
Category:City-County Governments
Category:Election System Reform
Category:Nashville
Category:Resolutions
Category:Tennessee
Nashville, TN In Support of the Fresh Fruits and Vegetables for Healthier Children Program

Type: Resolution
Status: Adopted on 4/7/09
Source File: http://www.nashville.gov/mc/resolutions/term_2007_2011/rs2009_694.htm
Text:
RESOLUTION NO. RS2009-694
A resolution in support of the Fresh Fruits and Vegetables for Healthier Children Program.
WHEREAS, the Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Program was initiated in 2008 and with funding slated to increase annually the program is available for each eligible school in Tennessee grades pre-K to 8th-grade of which 97 Metro Nashville Public Schools are eligible for grants to purchase, prepare and distribute fresh fruits and vegetables; and
WHEREAS, it is encouraging each Metropolitan Nashville Public School eligible to apply for these grants which help provide funds to buy fresh fruits and vegetables as this program is an important catalyst for change in our efforts to combat childhood obesity by helping children learn more healthy eating habits and to introduce Nashville’s children to healthier snack choices in schools; and
WHEREAS, introducing fresh fruits and vegetables to the students through the schools is one way to provide some nutrition which they may otherwise not get; and expand the variety of fruits and vegetables children experience which will make a difference in children’s diets to impact their present and future health; and
WHEREAS, children need good nutrition to help them stay alert and learn at school. Nourished children who are not hungry make fewer trips to the school nurse’s office and have better school attendance and less tardiness. Fruits and vegetables are a big part of good nutrition and this program enables children to benefit who may have limited access to nutritious foods outside of school because of financial constraints at home; and
WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the Metropolitan Council expresses their support for the Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Program created by the 2008 farm bill for Healthier Children Program and its desire that all eligible Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools submit an application.
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 in support of the Fresh Fruits and Vegetables for Healthier Children Program.
Section 2. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.
Category:City-County Governments
Category:Food-Related Policies
Category:Health
Category:Nashville
Category:Resolutions
Category:Tennessee
Nashville, TN In Support of the Property Tax Freeze Act

Type: Resolution
Status: Adopted on 7/17/07
Source File: http://nashville.gov/mc/resolutions/rs2007_2080.html
Text:
SUBSTITUTE RESOLUTION NO. RS2007-2080
A resolution adopting Senate Bill No. 2 of the 105th Tennessee General Assembly as enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Tennessee, providing for the uniform administration of the Property Tax Freeze Act.
WHEREAS, the General Assembly of the State of Tennessee has enacted Senate Bill No. 2 of the 105th Tennessee General Assembly, hereinafter referred to as Public Chapter 581 of the Public Acts of 2007 (hereinafter “the Act”), which passed both houses on June 12, 2007, and was signed into law on June 28, 2007; and,
WHEREAS, in 2006, the voting citizens of the State of Tennessee approved an amendment to the Tennessee Constitution authorizing the General Assembly to enact a property tax freeze for elderly, low-income taxpayers; and,
WHEREAS, the Act amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 67-5-705 to provide for the uniform and orderly administration of the property tax freeze program for eligible taxpayers in jurisdictions adopting said program; and,
WHEREAS, the General Assembly of the State of Tennessee has authorized the legislative body of any county or municipality to adopt the property tax freeze program; and,
WHEREAS, it is to the benefit of the citizens of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County that the property tax freeze program be adopted; and,
Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Council of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County:
Section 1. That the property tax freeze program, authorized by the Act, is hereby adopted by the Council of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County.
Section 2. That this resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.
Category:City-County Governments
Category:Nashville
Category:Resolutions
Category:Tax-Related
Category:Tennessee
Nashville, TN In Support of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals

Type: Resolution
Status: Adopted on 5/4/04
Source File: http://www.nashville.gov/mc/resolutions/rs2004_277.htm
Text:
RESOLUTION NO. RS2004-277
A resolution recognizing and supporting the United Nations Millennium Development Goals.
WHEREAS, the United Nations Millennium Summit in 2000 proclaimed a set of time-bound and measurable goals and targets for combating poverty, hunger, disease, illiteracy, environmental degradation and discrimination against women, called the Millennium Development Goals; and
WHEREAS, the Summit’s Millennium Declaration also outlined a wide range of commitments toward human rights, good governance and democracy; and
WHEREAS, the Development Goals provide a framework for the entire UN system to work coherently together towards a common end; and
WHEREAS, the United Nations in virtually every developing country is uniquely positioned to advocate for change, connect countries to knowledge and resources, and help coordinate broader efforts at the country level; and
WHEREAS, the world is making progress toward the Development Goals – but it is uneven and too slow. A large majority of nations will reach the Development Goals only if they get substantial support – advocacy, expertise and resources – from outside. The challenges for the global community, in both the developed and developing world, are to mobilize financial support and political will, re-engage governments, re-orient development priorities and policies, build capacity, and reach out to partners in civil society and the private sector; and
WHEREAS, the Millennium Development Goals are summarized as follows:
* Reduce extreme poverty and hunger by half;
* Achieve universal primary education;
* Empower women and promote equality between women and men;
* Reduce under-five mortality by two-thirds;
* Reduce maternal mortality by three-quarters;
* Reverse the spread of diseases, especially HIV/AIDS and malaria;
* Ensure environmental sustainability;
* Create a global partnership for development, with targets for aid, trade and debt relief; and
WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the Metropolitan Council should support and endorse these goals.
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 and supporting the United Nations Millennium Development Goals.
Section 2. The Metropolitan Council Office is directed to prepare a copy of this Resolution to be presented to Kofi Annan, Secretary General of the United Nations.
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.
Category:City-County Governments
Category:Human Rights
Category:Nashville
Category:Resolutions
Category:Tennessee
Nashville, TN Increasing Penalties for Aggravated Cruelty to Animals

Type: Resolution
Status: Adopted on 5/18/04
Source File: http://www.nashville.gov/mc/resolutions/term_2003_2007/rs2004_249.htm
Text:
RESOLUTION NO. RS2004-249
A resolution supporting House Bill 1474 / Senate Bill 0374, currently pending in the Tennessee General Assembly, which would increase the penalty for aggravated cruelty to animals from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class E felony.
WHEREAS, the recent tragic death of the dog "Gizmo" was a senseless, needless, act that has deprived the owners of a loving companion and friend; and
WHEREAS, the incident has drawn needed attention to Tennessee's animal welfare laws; and
WHEREAS, stiffer penalties for acts of animal cruelty can and will act as a deterrent to prevent these mindless acts from happening in the future; and
WHEREAS, T.C.A. 39-14-212(d) currently designates the crime of aggravated animal cruelty as a Class A misdemeanor for a first-time conviction and a Class E felony for subsequent convictions; and
WHEREAS, State Representatives Rob Briley and Janis Sontany, and State Senators Steve Cohen, Jerry Cooper, Curtis Person and Ward Crutchfield have sponsored House Bill 1474 and Senate Bill 0374, currently pending in the Tennessee General Assembly, part of which would increase the penalty for acts of aggravated animal cruelty to the level of a Class E felony; and
WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the Metropolitan Council of Nashville and Davidson County go on record as supporting House Bill 1474 and Senate Bill 0374.
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 supporting House Bill 1474 / Senate Bill 0374, currently pending in the Tennessee General Assembly, which would increase the penalty for aggravated cruelty to animals from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class E felony.
Section 2. The Metropolitan Clerk is directed to send a certified copy of this Resolution to each member of the Davidson County Delegation to the Tennessee General Assembly.
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.
Category:Animals
Category:City-County Governments
Category:Nashville
Category:Resolutions
Category:Tennessee
Nashville, TN Interim Policy on Community Gardens

Type: Policy
Status: Approved on 9/12/06
Source File: http://nashville.gov/community_gardens/pdfs/community_gardens_policy.pdf
Text:
3000.33 COMMUNITY GARDENS
I. The Metropolitan Nashville Board of Parks and Recreation adopts this
Community Garden Program as a framework for the Parks’ staff to
further develop and implement this new initiative.
The Community Garden Program provides an entry point for individuals
and households to get involved in an endearing partnership project.
Community gardeners use Metropolitan Park land to grow their own
food, which has a positive impact on their household food security, and
provide recreational outdoor activity as well as a fun and friendly
environment for people of all ages, incomes, and cultures to work the
land together and share their gardening knowledge and ideas.
Park Staff shall identify unused park property for implementation of this
program.
II. Program Parameters
A. Community gardeners shall obtain a permit for a plot each spring, paying a minimal fee to help defray the costs of site maintenance and management (tilling, mowing, plot layout, and provision of water, and compost). Gardeners also assist in site maintenance and management through volunteer
commitments.
B. Educational workshops will be held throughout the season to provide instruction in gardening skills such as organic gardening, pest control, starting seeds indoors, seed saving, fall planting, food preservation, and cooking.
C. There are many people who would love to garden but have difficulty gardening on the ground. Some may be in a wheelchair or just unable to bend over for a long period of time. Park and Recreation Community Gardens will build raised beds, which make it possible for people with disabilities to enjoy the pleasures of gardening.
D. Garden plots should measure 20’ x 20’ (400 sq. ft.) There is a one plot limit for new gardeners, but if an individual maintains their plot well the first year, more plots may be applied for in the following.
E. This policy discourages the use of nonorganic pest control by organizing gardenwide organic pest control.
F. Plot rental for the season shall be annually established by the department with approval of the board. A gardening season will be established.
G. Water is provided on site throughout the season.
H. Tilled plots are plowed at the beginning of the season, making it possible to plant directly in the ground. Donated seeds and plants are given away to gardeners free every year at the beginning of the season.
I. Compost, manure, and mulch should also be available at the gardens to help gardeners build their soil.
Category:City-County Governments
Category:Community Gardens
Category:Nashville
Category:Policies
Category:Tennessee
Nashville, TN Providing Voice Mail for the Homeless

Type: Resolution
Status: Adopted on 2/6/07
Source File: http://nashville.gov/mc/resolutions/rs2007_1755.htm
Text:
SUBSTITUTE RESOLUTION NO. RS2007-1755
A resolution requesting the Department of Information Technology Services to provide a recommendation to the Council regarding the design and implementation of a community voice mail system that would provide free voice mail accounts to homeless persons.
WHEREAS, social workers have documented that the inability to receive messages is a crippling barrier to homeless persons who are trying to schedule job interviews or counseling appointments; and
WHEREAS, the City of San Francisco, California recently implemented a program called Project CARE (Communications and Respect for Everybody) whereby homeless persons are able to sign up for a telephone number where they can leave and receive voice mail messages; and
WHEREAS, there are currently 38 communities with a similar voice mail program for the homeless, including New York City; and
WHEREAS, community voice mail systems have proven to be an effective mechanism for enabling homeless persons to be connected with jobs, housing, and social and medical services; and
WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the Metropolitan Government study and make a recommendation to the Council regarding the best and most economical way to implement a community voice mail system for homeless persons in Nashville, Tennessee.
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 Department of Information Technology Services to provide a recommendation to the Council regarding the design and implementation of a community voice mail system that would provide free voice mail accounts to homeless persons.
Section 2. The Metropolitan Clerk is directed to send a copy of this Resolution to Sandy Cole, the Director of the Department of Information Technology Services.
Section 3. The Department of Information Technology Services are further requested to respond to the Council as to the feasibility of and/or action taken in compliance with the request stated in Section 1 hereof not later than sixty (60) days from the adoption of this Resolution.
Section 4. That this Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.
Category:City-County Governments
Category:Communications
Category:Nashville
Category:Resolutions
Category:Tennessee