Memphis City Council Meeting – April 25, 2023: Budget Presentation, Resolutions, and Ordinance Debates

[The Memphis City Council convened its regular meeting on April 25, 2023, at 9:30 AM. After a prayer and Pledge of Allegiance, a quorum was present. The council approved minutes from the April 11 meeting and heard a statement from the family of Tyree Nichols regarding the recently passed Driving Equality Act. The meeting featured Mayor Jim Strickland's final budget proposal, unanimous passage of several resolutions, and extensive debate on an animal control ordinance that was ultimately held for further discussion.]

Consent Calendar

• Minutes Approval: Minutes from the April 11, 2023 meeting were approved unanimously.
• Consent Agenda (Items 9–12, 28): Included ordinances on zoning changes and towing operators. Passed with Councilwoman Logan abstaining on item 28.
• Fiscal Consent Agenda (Items 13–17): Accepted grants and reimbursements for disaster relief, park donations, and police grants. Passed unanimously with same-night minute approval.
• Appointments (Item 18): Approved appointments to the Civil Service Commission, Downtown Memphis Commission, Convention Center Commission, and MATA Board. Councilman Morgan abstained initially but changed his vote to yes after clarification.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Tyree Nichols Family Statement: Councilwoman Easter Thomas read a statement from Mr. and Mrs. Wells expressing gratitude for the Driving Equality Act in honor of Tyree Nichols, stating it was only the beginning.
• Animal Ordinance (Item 24): Several residents spoke against changing mandatory impoundment of stray dogs. Nina Wingfield, Gail Phillips, Susie Hollenbach, Pam Higgins, Nola Madison, and Jessica Guterra cited public safety risks, inequitable response in underserved areas, and recent dog attacks. They urged retention of "shall" language.
• Gas Station Concerns: Mel Atkins spoke about the withdrawn item 6, alleging that a company (Timbo Construction) uses gas stations in urban communities for illegal activity.
• Sports Facilities: Troy Donald questioned the demolition of the fairgrounds stadium and absence of a replacement track facility.
• Police Reform: Sharon Morning (Damon Curry Morris) criticized lack of progress in police accountability and described a personal incident.
• Prayer: Walter Brody offered a closing prayer for the council and city.
• Community Health: Marilyn Burris thanked the council for a blight grant and invited members to Memphis Health Center's 53rd anniversary celebration.

Discussion Items

• Renaming White Station Library (Item 19): Third reading passed unanimously to rename as Officer Jeffrey Red Library. Councilman Warr and family members spoke about Officer Red's service.
• Resolution Condemning Hindu Phobia (Item 2): Passed by acclamation. Sponsored by Councilmen Warren and Colvet; community member Chetna spoke in support.
• Special Use Permits:
  • Item 3 (400 West Levi Road): Approved unanimously.
  • Item 4 (2292 Park Avenue): Passed with Councilman Carlisle abstaining and Councilwoman Easter Thomas voting no.
  • Item 6 (2453 Elvis Presley Blvd): Withdrawn by applicant before consideration.
• Mayor's Budget Presentation (Item 1 held to May 2): Mayor Strickland presented his FY24 proposed operating budget of approximately $792 million with no property tax increase. Key proposals: 5% raises for police and fire, conversion of a 9% retention bonus to base salary, $55 million five-year public safety technology investment, $96 million CIP, expanded youth programs (summer camp, teen fest, free golf), and increased MATA funding. He highlighted accomplishments since 2016 including a 62% increase in paving spending and creation of a dedicated transit fund.
• Referendum on Mayor/Council Qualifications (Item 21): Third reading passed unanimously after amendment. Sets two-year durational residency requirement and minimum age 18 for both mayor and council. To appear on the August 2024 primary ballot.
• Nonprofit Lease Contracts (Item 22): Held until May 2 for input from affected organizations (e.g., Children's Museum, Metal Museum). Councilman Warren moved to hold; sponsors agreed to gather feedback.
• Street Renaming (Item 23): Held until May 2 for additional work by the sponsor.
• Animal Ordinance (Item 24): Extensive debate on changing impoundment language from "shall" to "may". Councilwoman Logan offered a friendly amendment adding exceptions for owner availability and exigent circumstances. After testimony and discussion with Director Alexis Pugh (17 officers covering 300+ sq mi), the item was held until May 2 to separate horse carriage provisions, obtain a scatter map of calls/pickups, and consider capacity issues.
• Blight Task Force Resolution (Item 27): Passed unanimously. Council members acknowledged task force members and staff.
• Park Projects (Items 25, 26): Approved funding for McFarlane Park Splash Pad and Crockett Park resolutions.

Key Outcomes

• Approved (Unanimous): Renaming White Station Library as Officer Jeffrey Red Library; Resolution condemning Hindu phobia; Consent and fiscal consent agendas; Blight task force resolution; Park funding.
• Approved (with Dissent/Abstention): Item 4 special use permit (one no, one abstention).
• Approved as Amended: Referendum on mayor/council qualifications (to August 2024 primary).
• Held until May 2, 2023: Items 22 (nonprofit leases), 23 (street renaming), 24 (animal ordinance), and item 1 (budget) – though budget presentation occurred.
• Withdrawn: Item 6 special use permit.
• Next Steps: Council to hold budget hearings; administration to provide data on animal services; committee to refine animal ordinance language.