Memphis City Council Regular Meeting - December 20, 2022

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.

Consent Calendar

The Council approved the following consent packages:

• Regular Consent (Items 8-11): Authorizing a zoning use district reclassification (second reading), final plat for Hickory Trace Commons, engineering plans for Uptown Studio and Storage, and release of bond for Carolina Terrace Subdivision.
• Fiscal Consent (Items 12-15 and 35-41): Accepting and appropriating funds including $100,000 from Living Cities for Contractors University; donation of 10 police e-bikes valued at $20,000; acceptance of a broadband mobile command case from Shelby County 911; acceptance of $53,623 for Youth Summer Experience Program; and several amendments to FY23 council grant allocations (Items 35-41).
• MLGW Fiscal Consent (Items 16-23): Approving contract changes and awards including temporary employment services, environmental consulting, fleet maintenance, digger derrick trucks, and on-call consulting services.

Honors and Recognitions

The Council adopted four resolutions by acclamation:

• Item 1: Honoring Lodia Yates, founder of LYE Academy, for her contributions to youth dance and the first Nike sponsorship of a dance team.
• Item 2: Honoring Ruth Rawlins Banks for her community service through "Feed the Needy" and her role at Unity Missionary Baptist Church.
• Item 3: Designating a portion of Appling Road as "Pastor Donald L. Johnson Street" to honor the senior pastor of Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church.
• Item 4: Honoring Beverly Robertson for her leadership as CEO of the Greater Memphis Chamber, raising $2.6 million during the pandemic, and being the first Black woman CEO in the Chamber's 184-year history.

Public Comments & Testimony

Public comments were heard on two items:

Klondike TIF (Item 25): Six speakers addressed the proposed Klondike Redevelopment Trust Fund:

1. Belinda Caroosh – Expressed 100% support for the TIF and stressed the need for affordable housing in the Klondike area.
2. Kathy Gray – Spoke on behalf of legacy residents, requesting elimination of the land trust, set-aside of lots for legacy residents, and property tax freeze to prevent displacement.
3. Vivian Bolden – Asked for a Klondike resident on the CRA board and an advisory board with approval powers over expenditures.
4. Rashawn Austin (The Works Inc.) – Supported the TIF, highlighting that the increment funds public infrastructure and affordable housing. She detailed commitments: free legal services, housing counseling, $73 million investment in North Side Square, and more.
5. Randall Garrett (Klondike Smokey City CDC) – Supported the TIF, emphasizing extensive community input over nearly a decade and urging unity.
6. Corey Davis (The Works Inc.) – Supported the TIF, noting it does not raise taxes or displace residents. He stated the TIF is expected to generate over $30 million in increment over 30 years, compared to $3 million for the Soulsville TIF. He urged approval to lock in the 2022 base year.

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.

Discussion Items

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.

Key Outcomes

• Item 7 (Zoning): Passed 12-0.
• Item 25 (Klondike TIF): Passed 12-0 with same-night minutes. Joint ad hoc committee deferred to January 10 resolution.
• Item 26 (Sheraton Surcharge): Passed 12-0 with same-night minutes.
• Item 33 (Blight Task Force): Passed unanimously with friendly amendment.
• All consent calendars and remaining items: Approved unanimously.
• Deferrals: Items 5 and 27 deferred to January 10, 2023.
• Same-night minutes: Approved for numerous items.

The meeting adjourned after final public comments.