Memphis City Council Regular Meeting - November 1, 2022

The Memphis City Council convened on November 1, 2022, at 9:45 AM (local time) for a regular meeting. The session included roll call, approval of previous minutes, multiple resolutions honoring individuals and organizations, several fiscal and zoning items, appointments, and public comments. Most items were passed by acclamation or unanimous vote, with one notable dissent on an appointment.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes Approval: The minutes from the October 18, 2022 meeting were approved by a unanimous vote (11-0).
• Consent Agenda (Items 9–13 and 32): Approved as a block, except Item 9 was removed for separate consideration. The consent agenda included zoning ordinances, a final plat approval, and a resolution establishing 2023 meeting dates. All passed unanimously.
• Fiscal Consent Agenda (Items 14, 15, 23, 24, 25): Approved unanimously. Included acceptance of a $50,000 Bank of America grant for youth services, a $26,048 donation of a canine and equipment for the Internet Crimes Against Children unit, and three FY23 grant allocation amendments from council members Logan, Warren, and Dockery.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Joe Kent (511 Flamingo): Criticized the city for failing to produce an executed loan agreement with a university, alleging that $4.5 million in private pledges triggered an unnecessary $30–40 million tennis stadium. He claimed the university would not have repaid a $10 million loan without his persistence. He also asserted that Memphis private sector does not carry its weight in public-private partnerships, and questioned high property tax rates and the lack of financials for Memphis museums and the Memphis Riverfront Partnership. He requested a full riverfront update at the next meeting.
• Walter Brody (4256 Lebbell): Expressed appreciation for the council and urged ministers and pastors to run for office. He offered a prayer for all leaders and the community, emphasizing unity and divine guidance.

Discussion Items

• Item 2 – Resolution Celebrating State Representative Barbara Cooper: Councilman Ford read a detailed resolution honoring the late Representative Barbara Cooper, who served 26 years in the Tennessee House. The resolution passed by acclamation with a moment of silence.
• Item 3 – Resolution Celebrating William Thomas McConnell: Honored the life of a 14-year-old who passed away in July 2022. His family was present; a mention was made of his organ donation benefiting recipients in Texas and Memphis. Passed by acclamation.
• Item 4 – Resolution Honoring Janice Couch: Recognized her for founding Fundamentals First Learning Academy and Lion and Lioness Learning Academy, and for serving approximately 45,000 families during the pandemic. Passed by acclamation.
• Item 5 – Resolution Honoring Talisa Franklin: Honored her as an entrepreneur, radio station owner, founder of Juneteenth Festival, and advocate for transplant and mental health awareness. Passed by acclamation.
• Item 6 – Resolution Honoring Memphis Alumni Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority: Recognized the chapter for 87 years of service, $555,000 in scholarships since 2003, and over 12,000 public service hours in three years. The chapter also received a key to the city. Passed by acclamation.
• Item 7 – Resolution Honoring Roshawn Austin: Recognized her 10-year anniversary as President and CEO of The Works Inc., a community development corporation focused on affordable housing, blight elimination, and neighborhood revitalization. Austin used the opportunity to advocate for policy changes to address housing instability, food insecurity, and poverty. Passed by acclamation.
• Item 1 – Resolution Thanking Councilwoman Terry Dockery: Honored her appointment to the council on September 1, 2022, and her prior community service. Passed by acclamation.
• Item 8 – Street Closure (Maggie H. Isabel Street): Councilwoman Johnson moved approval as amended to include a pedestrian easement. The amendment was confirmed by planning staff. Unanimously approved (11-0).
• Item 9 – Klondike Redevelopment Trust Fund (First Reading): Councilman Carlisle moved a substitute ordinance to align with changes made by the County Commission the previous evening. The substitute was approved unanimously as first reading.
• Item 21 – Parks Resolution (Tabled): Councilman Warren moved to table the item indefinitely; seconded and agreed by voice vote.
• Item 22 – Klondike Community Redevelopment Plan: Approved as amended by the substitute document. Unanimous vote.

Key Outcomes

• Appointments Approved:
  • Douglas A. McGowan as President and CEO of Memphis Light, Gas and Water (MLGW) – approved 10-1 (Chairman Jones voted no).
  • Shandel Ryan as Chief Operating Officer of the City of Memphis – approved unanimously (11-0).
  • Francis S. Howard to the Memphis and Shelby County Board of Equalization, and Angus Blair to the Memphis Area Transit Authority board – both approved unanimously.
• Fiscal Approvals:
  • Item 26: $500,000 for Edge View at Legends Park (geobonds) – unanimous.
  • Item 27: $2,000,000 for South City project – unanimous.
  • Item 28: $275,000 for Medical Center Streetscape – unanimous.
  • Item 29: $40,000 for Memphis Housing Summit 2022 – unanimous.
  • Items 17–19: Fire services appropriations for drill tower, turnout gear, and fire station renovations – all unanimous.
  • Item 20: Transfer of a 0.114-acre lot to Memphis Shelby County Board of Education – unanimous.
• Same Night Minutes: Approved for items 13, 14, 15, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31 – all unanimously.