The Memphis City Council convened on December 20, 2022, at 9:45 AM for its regular meeting. The agenda included multiple honors and recognitions, public hearings on the Klondike Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district and the Sheraton Hotel tourism surcharge, zoning and land-use approvals, fiscal consent items, and other resolutions. The meeting adjourned after final public comments and a vote on same-night minutes.
The Council approved the following consent packages:
The Council adopted four resolutions by acclamation:
Public comments were heard on two items:
Klondike TIF (Item 25): Six speakers addressed the proposed Klondike Redevelopment Trust Fund:
Sheraton Hotel Tourism Surcharge (Item 26): Joe Kent – Supported the surcharge but criticized lack of transparency regarding tax abatements and the Holland Road TIF.
General Comment: Walter Brody offered a closing prayer.
Item 5 – Special Use Permit for Hotel (122 S Main St): Deferred to January 10, 2023 at the applicant's request.
Item 6 – Street Vacation: Resolution approving the vacation and closure of portions of Still Street, Jefferson Avenue, and Durham Drive. Approved unanimously.
Item 7 – Zoning Reclassification (North Bingham Area): Ordinance reclassifying land from Employment to Residential Urban 3 (third reading). Councilman Carlisle expressed concerns about the process regarding a pocket park but supported the development. Councilwoman Johnson noted residents said the park was not necessary. Passed 12-0.
Item 25 – Klondike Redevelopment Trust Fund (TIF): After extensive public comment and discussion, the Council voted 12-0 to approve the ordinance with same-night minutes (to set the 2022 base year). A subsequent motion by Councilwoman Easter Thomas to form a joint ad hoc committee with the County to examine community voice was withdrawn after Councilman Carlisle suggested bringing a formal resolution on January 10.
Item 26 – Sheraton Hotel Tourism Development Zone Surcharge: Third reading. Public comment heard. Approved 12-0 with same-night minutes.
Item 27 – ARPA Funds Reallocation to Fire Division: Deferred to January 10, 2023 because comment cards were received.
Item 33 – Blight and Illegal Dumping Task Force Short-Term Recommendations: Councilwoman Logan described committee amendments (target dates, reward program). Councilman Carlisle offered a friendly amendment to coordinate with Shelby County regarding state grant funds for litter ($300,000-$400,000). Amendment accepted; resolution passed unanimously.
Items 42, 43, 44 – Parade/Race Routes, Playground Funding ($350,000), Hospitality Hub Grant ($500,000): All passed unanimously.
Items 24, 28-32, 34 – Appointments, MLGW Tax Equivalents, Gold Star Monument, Crime Commission Plan, TBI Lab Support, Election Results: All approved.
The meeting adjourned after final public comments.
I would like to recognize our chaplain of the day. Dr. Kevin Taylor of Springdale Baptist Church, invited by Councilwoman Easter Thomas. The prayer will be immediately followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Dr. Taylor, please leave us in prayer. Dear God, we come to you on this afternoon. First, thanking you for this day that you have made. Pray, oh God, that they can lead us like Nehemiah in restoring our communities. Thank you that you can give them the wisdom of Solomon, who had all knowledge and understanding. We thank you for this day. We thank you for this moment. We thank you for the staff and residents who are concerned about our city. Together, we can make it happen. For us, in your name we pray, amen. Amen. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Councilwoman Easter Thomas. No, she's thank you. And Mrs. Salem. You too, late. Good afternoon, colleagues in uh city of Memphis. Um, I just want to thank you to one of our beloved district pastors, Dr. Kevin Taylor, um, and just granted by the this ain't the one. This ain't the one. And with all the power granted in me, um, be able to announce you as chaplain of the day. Um, thank you so much for the transformative work that you're doing at Springdale Baptist Church in North Memphis in District 7. Um, and we are just here to support you every step of the way and that you continue to be led in God's direction to do everything for our community and our people. And also, happy, happy birthday, Dr. Taylor. Thank you. Thank you, President. Madam Comptroller, will you please call the roll? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Council members Canale, Carlisle, Covet, Easter Thomas, Ford, Johnson, Logan, President, Morgan, Robinson, Vice Chairman Smiley, present. Swearing Washington, present. Warren, Chairman Jones, present. Mr. Chairman, you have a quorum. Thank you. I believe Vice Chair Smiley has read the minutes from our December 6th meeting. Thank you, Mr. Chair. I have reviewed the minutes from December 16th. And I'll move it on moved and seconded. Madam Comptroller, will you please prepare the screens for the vote? Yes, Mr. Chairman.