Memphis City Council Regular Meeting - April 23, 2024

The Memphis City Council convened on April 23, 2024, for its regular meeting. Mayor Paul Young presented the proposed FY25 budget, including a recommended 75-cent property tax increase per $100 assessed value (raising annual taxes on a $100,000 home by $188). The council approved numerous consent items, zoning permits, a resolution opposing state bills to arm school staff, and an ARPA fund reallocation, while holding one development permit for further review.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes of April 9, 2024 – Approved (vote: 11-0).
• Items 15-21 (Consent Agenda): Passed with amendments on item 21 (honorary street name) requiring same-night minutes.
• Items 22-27 (MLGW Fiscal Consent): Approved.
• Same-Night Minutes Items (18, 19, 20, 21, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43): All approved.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Jesse Huseth (former teacher): Expressed opposition to state bills allowing concealed weapons on school grounds; urged council to advocate beyond the resolution.
• Noah Nordstrom (teacher, candidate for State House): Opposed arming teachers; described fear in schools and noted a student from his school died in a recent mass shooting.
• Joe Kent: Supported a Memphis Police Foundation but demanded transparency; criticized MLGW rate increases and urged council to demand monthly financials from MLGW.
• Brandon Washington (sexual assault survivor): Called for more mental health services for survivors; noted May is Foster Care Awareness Month.
• Megan Waldley (Mid-South Anti-Apartheid Coalition): Urged council to question federal spending on Israel and invest more in local communities.
• Tara Miller (social worker): Highlighted poverty (21% overall, 32% child poverty) and nearly 3,000 homeless students; stressed need for trauma-informed care.
• Amal Altarev (student advocate): Asked if council read letters from children about Gaza; reported student protests at universities.
• Joan Hart: Opposed euthanizing dogs at Memphis Animal Services; proposed a summer film contest for youth.
• Belinda Campbell (North Memphis resident): Thanked council for listening on the Sawmill project; emphasized maintaining high standards for neighborhood development.
• Jalisa Monroe: Expressed anger over the Orange Mound mass shooting; called for community justice processes before incarceration.
• Walter Brody (closing prayer): Offered benediction.

Discussion Items

Mayor Young's Budget Presentation

• Deficit: $53 million projected gap for FY25, driven by inflation ($15M), pension costs ($14M), state appraisal ratio adjustment ($14M), attrition, and underfunded operations.
• Proposed Tax Increase: 75-cent increase per $100 assessed value, raising annual tax on a $100,000 home from $675 to $863 ($188 more). Three options were presented: 50¢ (fill hole only), 60¢ (with salary increases), 75¢ (with new programs).
• New Spending (44M): $2.5M for camera mesh (AI-connected cameras), $8M for grass cutting and litter removal, $7M for youth programs (after-school, midnight basketball, childcare), and additional funds for arts, transit, schools, and a 3% salary increase for employees.
• Public Safety Plan: 111 arrests, 570 citations, 19 weapons seized in first two sessions of Operation Code Zero; also collected 7,000 tires and 5,000 bags of trash.
• Council Reaction: Chairman Smiley noted the presentation was in-depth; council will engage the community during budget season.

Item 4 – Plan Development at 1230 N Watkin Street

• Applicant withdrew the application via email (3:17 PM, signed by Keith Norman), preventing refiling for five years. Council accepted withdrawal.

Item 13 – Special Use Permit at 2491 Joy Lane (Held for Two Weeks)

• The applicant proposed 50 studio apartments. Council questions arose about whether units would be market-rate, Section 8, or transitional housing. Property manager Maria Hernandez said they were “micro-rent” and might include Section 8 but were unsure about short-/long-term. Councilman Carlisle wanted written answers from the developer; motion to hold for two weeks passed 10-0.

Item 35 – Resolution Opposing TN House Bill 1202 / Senate Bill 1325 (Concealed Weapons in Schools)

• Councilwoman Green said the bill does not require safe storage or parental notification. Council and public speakers opposed the measure. Resolution passed unanimously.

Item 43 – ARPA Reallocation (Public Safety Foundation Consultant and MACE)

• Council approved up to $150,000 from $1.1 million in remaining ARPA funds (originally for youth pilot programs) to hire a consultant for creating a public safety foundation. The amendment changed “$150,000” to “up to $150,000.” Also allocated $30,000 to Memphis Academy of Civic Engagement (MACE). Passed 11-0.

Key Outcomes

• Budget Process: The proposed tax increase and $44M in new spending will be discussed with the public; council will finalize the budget in coming weeks.
• Item 7 (Special Use – 2961 Lamar Ave): Failed unanimously (negative recommendation from committee).
• Item 8 (Special Use – 697 Winchester Rd): Passed with conditions (4 EV charging stations, change-of-ownership must return as major modification, revocation for property maintenance violations).
• Item 9 (Special Use – 2830 Lamar Ave): Failed unanimously; councilwoman Swearingin-Washington cited enough tire shops in District 4.
• Item 10 (Special Use – 1679 Ash St): Passed.
• Item 14 (Zoning Reclassification – 3343 Winchester Rd): Passed (third reading).
• Item 30 (ARPA Reallocation – Library Youth Program): Passed as amended; $1.1 million from original youth pilot program reallocated to library youth program (after clarification that $1.1 million remained for church-based programs).
• Item 31 (Unclaimed State Funds): Passed; administration will inquire about the amount.
• Items 32, 33 (Fund Transfers): Passed to consolidate funds for Southwest Twin Redevelopment and new Fraser Library.
• Reappointments: Robert H. Rogers to Air Pollution Control Board (passed); six appointments to Memphis Advisory and Review Committee (passed); Daniel Reed and Buckner Welford to Health Education and Housing Facility Board (passed).
• Item 36–43: All passed as described.

Next Steps

• Public engagement at “Council Day at the Hall” on April 25, 2024 (10 AM–3 PM) for budget input.
• Item 13 held until May 7, 2024; council members to submit written questions to developer by mid-week.
• Third reading of zoning text amendment (Item 17) will include county amendments at the next meeting.
• Budget hearings will continue; the final budget must be adopted before July 1.