MURFREESBORO, TN – 30 Minutes before noon this coming Thursday, the Murfreesboro City Council will convene for a Regular Workshop meeting at the Murfreesboro Municipal Airport Business Center. Among the key items on the agenda is a plan to discuss funding for the new Sports Authority. Officials will also examine a revised Public Records Request Policy aimed at improving access for individuals and businesses. Members of the council will be present to vote on action items and discuss a variety of materials, functions, and events with staff.
Established by City Council this past April, the Murfreesboro Sports Authority consists of seven board members serving staggered terms. Further steps in its creation will be taken this week with a resolution recommending a budget of $250,000. The funding would support hiring a consultant to carry out the authority’s purpose.
The Sports Authority promotes sports, fitness, and recreation while supporting the city's efforts to fund, build, and enhance sports facilities. Working with the Parks & Recreation Department, it seeks sponsorships and revenue opportunities to supplement facility budgets.
The proposed changes to the Public Records Request Policy, outlined in Resolution 24-R-32, seek to align with the Tennessee Public Records Act (TPRA). These revisions are designed to enhance transparency and streamline the process of accessing public records. Requests may be submitted online or in writing, with options for inspection or duplication, including digital formats. However, proof of Tennessee citizenship will be required, and confidential information will be redacted when necessary.
The city is particularly focused on enhancing efficiency and safeguarding the integrity of its records, with oversight by the Public Records Request Coordinator (PRRC). This role ensures compliance and assists requestors, while special considerations apply to police department records, including those of undercover officers.
Other actionable items include agreements related to GIS software and City Council meeting minutes. Workshop discussions will also cover topics such as updates on downtown public trash can improvements, fleet fuel trends, and permitting software.
- Full Agenda can be viewed HERE.
Workshop / Meeting Open to the Public: The workshop will take place at 1930 Memorial Blvd., offering a platform for both action and collaboration between city leaders and staff. The meeting provides a chance for residents to engage in the policymaking process. Citizens wishing to comment on actionable items must sign up at least six hours in advance via the city's online form or by calling 615-849-2629. Individuals wishing to speak at a public meeting on “actionable items” must sign up at least six hours prior to the meeting start time by submitting your request online at https://www.murfreesborotn.gov/PublicCommentForm.
More on Requests for Public Record Requests: The City of Murfreesboro is revising its Public Records Request Policy to better align with Tennessee state law in hopes of streamlining access to public records. This update, in accordance with the Tennessee Public Records Act (TPRA), establishes a consistent framework across all city departments, excluding Murfreesboro City Schools, which operates under its own policies.
Under the revised policy, public records will remain accessible to Tennessee citizens during business hours, with the city committed to maintaining the integrity of its records and ensuring the efficiency of operations. Requests for access can be made for either inspection or duplication of records, which includes options for electronic, digital, or paper copies.
The policy introduces the role of the Public Records Request Coordinator (PRRC) to manage and process requests. Requests for records must typically be submitted online through the city’s portal or via designated forms. Proof of Tennessee citizenship is required to access public records, and confidential information within records will be redacted with a general explanation provided for such redactions.
Key documents, such as public notices and meeting records, will also be made available online for easier access. This policy will be periodically reviewed to ensure compliance and effectiveness, with any proposed changes subject to City Council approval.
There will likely be some key differences in certain public record requests within the Murfreesboro Police Department (MPD). Police department personnel records are handled with distinct protocols. Records for undercover investigators, containing personally identifying information, are kept exclusively in the Police Chief’s office. All other personnel records are managed by the Records Custodian.
Requests for non-undercover personnel records must be submitted to the Public Records Request Coordinator (PRRC), who will notify the Police Chief. The Police Chief will decide whether to release the requested information and must provide a written explanation if a request is denied.
Location of Upcoming Workshop: The workshop will be in the Community Room of the Murfreesboro Municipal Airport Business Center (1930 Memorial Blvd in Murfreesboro, TN).
Time and Date of Workshop: Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024, at 11:30 a.m.
