Memphis City Council Regular Meeting - August 20, 2024

The Memphis City Council held its regular meeting on August 20, 2024, beginning at 9:15 AM. The meeting included approval of minutes from August 6, 2024, several recognitions, a public hearing on a gas station special use permit, extensive debate on a planned development involving a Whataburger drive-thru and hotel on Union Avenue, a planned residential development in Whitehaven, and numerous consent and fiscal items. The council also heard public comments and took votes on multiple resolutions.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes from August 6, 2024, by unanimous vote.
• Consent agenda item 10 held until September 10, 2024. Item 11B public hearing changed from September 10 to September 24, 2024.
• Other consent items approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Tara Miller (LMSW, 3551 Carney Street) criticized the postponement of the gas station discussion (Item 4) despite community opposition, citing food deserts and crime concerns.
• Josh Adams (Memphis Artists for Change) raised objections to new ID requirements for entry and difficulty contacting council members, particularly District 8 representatives.
• Joe Kent (511 Flamingo) urged council to scrutinize MLGW’s $180 million excess gas balance sheet cash and warned of underfunding for MATA.

Discussion Items

• Item 1 – Honoring Robert Connect: Resolution honoring outgoing Public Works Director Robert Connect for 21 years of service, including oversight of a $350 million upgrade at the Te Maxon plant and pandemic-era initiatives. Passed by acclamation.
• Item 2 – US Coast Guard Anniversary: Resolution celebrating the 234th anniversary of the Coast Guard. Passed by acclamation.
• Item 3 – Honoring Dante Harris and TCAT Students: Recognized barbering and styling contributions to the community, including free haircut events. Passed by acclamation.
• Item 26 – Charter Amendment (Third Reading): Ordinance to modify qualifications for mayor and council members. Passed unanimously (9-0).
• Item 4 – Gas Station Special Use Permit (3745 Outland Road): DPD recommended approval with conditions. Community members spoke in opposition citing traffic, crime, environmental concerns (groundwater recharge zone), and oversaturation of gas stations. Councilwoman Walker described a disrupted community meeting and expressed concerns about blight. Councilman Carlisle raised environmental and redevelopment risks. The applicant offered EV chargers, solar panels, and fresh fruit. The item was postponed to September 10, 2024, for further community meeting.
• Item 5 – Modification to SUP at 1925 Union Avenue (Whataburger, Hotel, Townhomes): Involved a time extension for a hotel SUP and approval of a drive-thru restaurant (Whataburger). Staff recommended approval of the time extension but rejection of the drive-thru. Community members (Gordon Alexander, Bradfield) opposed the drive-thru due to traffic, safety near Idlewild School, and character of Union Avenue. Developer Sean Massey stated plans include 20 townhomes, a five-story hotel, and the Whataburger, with construction starting in phases. Council debated separation of the two issues. The item was held until September 10, 2024, for further negotiation.
• Item 6 – Planned Development at 4701 Boingshire Drive (Red Oaks): Proposal for six residential lots (reduced from 11) on a former gas station site with LUST history. Community members cited environmental contamination risks and opposed density. Councilwoman Walker supported residents. Developer offered lot sizes of 8,000–10,000 sq ft and house sizes 2,000–2,300 sq ft. The item was held until September 10, 2024.
• Item 7 – SUP at 5225 Summer Avenue: Approved unanimously.
• Item 8 – Joint Zoning Ordinance Amendment (Third Reading): Approved unanimously.
• Items 27–35 (CIP Transfers): All approved unanimously, including funds for roof replacement at Skinner Center Pool, security cameras at Memphis Animal Shelter, O Allen Police Station HVAC, Liberty Park infrastructure, and police academy renovation.
• Fiscal Consent Items (12–15): Items 12, 13, 14 approved; Item 15 (donation from Target) held for three weeks.
• MLGW Fiscal Consent (16–25): Approved unanimously.
• Same Night Minute Items (36–38): Included a $2.1 million ambulance lease, a $16.797 million one-time bonus for retirees (passed unanimously), and amendments to the Community Grant Program (increasing threshold to 50%, allowing one-time exceptions for capital improvements; total $2.6 million). All passed.

Key Outcomes

• Items 4, 5, and 6 postponed to the September 10, 2024 meeting for further community engagement and negotiation.
• Item 15 (Target donation) held for three weeks pending confirmation of amount.
• All other resolutions on the agenda passed with unanimous or near-unanimous votes, including the charter amendment, honorific resolutions, consent items, fiscal transfers, and same-night minute items.
• The council adjourned following public comments.