Memphis City Council Regular Meeting - September 10, 2024

The Memphis City Council met on September 10, 2024, at 9:30 AM to discuss routine approvals, several high-profile special use permits for gas stations, a planned development, and public comments on transit cuts. Key actions included the approval of consent agenda items, the rejection of two gas station proposals, and the holding of a planned development for further review.

Consent Calendar

• Items 15–18, 19–20, 21–31, 37–38: Approved unanimously. Included resolutions for engineering plans, fire museum donation ($150,000), police department donation ($2,000), MLGW contract renewals and purchase orders, and CIP budget amendments for West Georgia Avenue improvements and an Arts Memphis grant.
• Item 35 (Zoo Maintenance Funding): Held for two weeks at the request of Councilwoman Swearingin Washington to obtain detailed maintenance plans.

Public Comments & Testimony

• David Allen Hall (Bishop, Life Together Inc.): Expressed support for a gun safety initiative to provide training and safety locks, citing high black-on-black homicide rates (64% of homicides are Black) and a personal story of a 15-year-old victim. Asked for council support and noted he applied for a council grant.
• Gilbert Barnes Carter III: Proposed solutions for MATA transit system, specifically the elimination of routes along major thoroughfares (e.g., Route 7 in Southeast Memphis).
• Dennis Lynch (Better Transit for Better Memphis): Urged funding to prevent service cuts, stating transit is essential for citizens to reach work, church, and medical appointments.
• Kate Seats (high school teacher, transit rider): Opposed proposed cuts, noting that eliminating service after 7 PM would violate ADA regulations and harm disabled riders. Emphasized that MATA is in danger of a death spiral.
• Annika Easley: Described difficulties with MATA paratransit and fixed routes, including long wait times and inability to work late shifts.
• Dorothy Connor: Cited 40,000 riders via 901 Smart Cards, detailed delays up to four hours, heat-related illnesses, and insufficient service. Called for increased funding.
• Tara Miller (licensed master social worker): Praised council for rejecting gas stations, noting her community (Frayser) has seven gas stations in a food desert. Promoted mental health awareness for Suicide Prevention Month.

Discussion Items

• Item 4 (SUP24-09 – 3745 Outland Road Gas Station): Applicant David Bray proposed a gas station with convenience store on a vacant lot. Opposition speakers (Randy Duga, Shantae Brown, Yasser Sale, Dr. Lynette Williams) cited crime, over-saturation (8-10 gas stations within a mile, 50% above national average), proximity to a daycare (less than 50 feet), benzene risks, and water contamination. The applicant pledged EV charging stations, solar panels, and security cameras feeding into the Real-Time Crime Center. Council amended the resolution to require at least three DC fast chargers and solar panels. The vote failed: 2 yes (Walker, Warren), 9 no, 2 abstain (Swearingin Washington, Chairman Smiley).
• Item 11 (PD23-29 – 4701 Bourne Drive Planned Development): Applicant proposed six single-family homes (reduced from 11) on 1.9 acres. Louise Coleman and association members opposed, citing lot sizes not matching existing homes, potential contamination from a nearby leaking underground storage tank, and traffic safety. The applicant offered renderings after a hold. Council held the item until October 15 to allow developer to produce renderings and address property value concerns.
• Item 7 (SUP24-12 – Used Car Sales): Approved with conditions including landscaping and screening. Passed unanimously.
• Item 8 (SUP24-15 – 4471 South Third Street Gas Station): Applicant proposed a gas station with EV charging and a sandwich shop. Staff and LUCB recommended rejection due to inconsistency with Memphis 3.0 and over-concentration of gas stations. Councilman Ford opposed, citing ongoing redevelopment efforts and several existing stations. Vote failed: all no (Walker initially voted yes but corrected to no).
• Items 9, 10, 12: Approved without significant debate.

Key Outcomes

• Item 4 (Gas Station, 3745 Outland Road): Failed 2-9-2. No further action.
• Item 8 (Gas Station, 4471 South Third Street): Failed unanimously after correction.
• Item 11 (Planned Development, 4701 Bourne Drive): Held until October 15, 2024, for renderings and community input.
• Item 35 (Zoo Maintenance): Held for two weeks pending detailed maintenance list.
• Consent Agenda and other routine items: Approved as listed.
• Public Comments: Council received testimony on MATA cuts and gun safety but took no immediate action.
• Meeting Adjourned: Motion by Councilman Warren, seconded by Councilwoman Cooper Sutton.