Memphis City Council Regular Meeting - October 15, 2024

The Memphis City Council held its regular meeting on October 15, 2024, at 9:45 AM. The meeting opened with a prayer by Dr. Lee Ramsey, the Pledge of Allegiance, and adoption of minutes from the October 1st meeting. Major agenda items included resolutions recognizing October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month and Breast Cancer Awareness Month, approval of an honorary street name for Terry Don Douglas Sr., a high-profile debate over a planned development amendment to expand a Class III landfill at 3086 Cussia Street (which failed unanimously), and several other planning and zoning items. The council also approved quarterly financial reporting from MATA, a moratorium on certain storm shelter requirements, appointments to various boards, and fiscal consent items. The meeting concluded with public comments.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of minutes from October 1, 2024 meeting (moved by Vice Chairman Canale, seconded by Councilmember Warren, passed unanimously).
• Consent agenda items (items 10-13) were approved: second reading of zoning ordinance 5918, engineering plans for Genesis of Wolf Chase and Peach Tree Development with bonds, and acceptance of public improvements for Future Lot Two, South of Brains Express subdivision. All passed unanimously.
• Fiscal consent agenda (item 14): acceptance of $1,600 from Tennessee for in-service training, passed.
• MLGW fiscal consent agenda (items 15-21): lease agreement for warehouse space, change orders for engineering services and software contracts, master asphalt paving program contracts (two awards totaling over $16 million), purchase order for computer equipment, and software licensing agreement. All passed unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• During the landfill expansion debate (Item 5), eleven residents and organization representatives spoke in opposition, citing concerns about odors, smoke, rodents, groundwater contamination, toxins, health impacts (asthma, cancer), property values, environmental racism, and lack of community notification. Speakers included Sylvia Martinez (Whitney Elementary), Jalen Prater (Girls Inc.), Sarah Houston (Protect Our Aquifer), Tara Miller, Peggy Boyd, Marvus Rogers, Adrienne Anderson, Reginia Dowell, Jonathan Reed (Fraser Urban Garden), Michelle Stewart (Memphis Shelby County Schools), and Latrice Adams.
• Two speakers spoke in support: Robert Hooker (personal character of the Williamsons) and Rodney Greener (economic practicality/avoiding longer drives to Mississippi).
• At the end of the meeting, two citizens gave general comments: Alice Hart (Know Thy Worth nonprofit) advocated for youth in underserved areas, and Joe Kent criticized MATA oversight and budgeting.

Discussion Items

• Item 1 – Resolution Recognizing October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month (sponsored by Councilwoman Swearingin Washington): Passed by acclamation. Representatives from YWCA were honored.
• Item 2 – Resolution Honoring Breast Cancer Awareness Month (sponsored by Councilwoman Cooper Sutton): Passed by acclamation. Baptist Memorial Health Care representatives spoke about services and mobile mammography.
• Item 4 – Honorary Street Name for Terry Don Douglas Sr. (sponsored by Councilman Spinoza): Approved. Spoke about Douglas's life as a community pillar, longtime owner of Douglas Upholstery. Family members thanked council.
• Item 5 – Planned Development Amendment for Landfill Expansion at 3086 Cussia Street (PD 24-05): This was the longest debate. DPD recommended rejection due to incompatibility with surrounding zoning and inconsistency with Memphis 3.0 comprehensive plan. Applicant (Lou Wardlaw, Carol Williamson) argued the landfill is necessary for the city's waste diversion goals, economically beneficial, environmentally compliant, and would ultimately donate 60 acres for public use. Extensive public testimony. Council debate centered on environmental justice, health concerns, and community opposition. Councilmembers noted the landfill's proximity to Whitney Elementary School and Girls Inc. farm. The vote was unanimous against.
• Item 6 – Special Use Permit at 2895 Poplar Avenue (SUP 24-35): Reuse of former Wendy's restaurant. DPD presented, and the item passed after a re-vote to include all members.
• Item 7 – Planned Development at 4701 Boeingshire Drive (PD 23-29): Held for three weeks (until November 12) to allow neighborhood to review renderings and further discuss.
• Item 8 – Street Closure: Portion of Jackson Avenue and Lauderdale Street (SAC 24-04): For St. Jude expansion. Presented by DPD and St. Jude legal counsel. Approved.
• Item 9 – Street Closure: St. Jude Place between Danny Thomas Blvd and Lane Avenue (SAC 24-05): Companion to item 8. Approved as amended (added option for hammerhead turn for fire access).
• Item 30 – Resolution to Request MATA Quarterly Financials: Sponsored by Councilwoman Green. Passed.
• Item 31 – MATA Appointments: Nine appointments approved.
• Item 32 – Amendment to FY25 Community Grant Program: Approved.
• Item 33 – Acceptance of $50,000 from Amazon for Tech/Rec Spaces: Approved.
• Item 34 – Resolution Regarding Tourism Surcharge for Sheraton Hotel: Approved.
• Item 35 – Resolution Requesting 12-Month Moratorium on ICC 500 Storm Shelter Requirements for Group E Occupancies: Approved (Councilwoman White recused).
• Item 36 – Amendment to Insurance Fund Disbursement Process: Approved.
• Item 37 – Amendment to Accelerate Memphis Program: Approved.
• Item 38 – Resolution Accepting $100,000 from Living Cities for Breaking Barriers to Business B3 Initiative: Approved (Councilwoman Logan recused).
• Item 23 – Renaming Lincoln Park Pavilion to Hazel Moore Pavilion (Third Reading): Approved.
• Item 27 – Resolution to Prioritize Blight Service Repairs for Police/Fire Vehicles: Approved.
• Item 29 – Ordinance to Decrease Limits on MLGW Contracts/Salaries (Second Meeting): Approved as amended (sunset clause removed).
• Item 39 (Added) – Resolution to Create Parks and Environment Ad Hoc Committee: Approved.

Key Outcomes

• The landfill expansion (Item 5) was defeated unanimously (all 13 council members voted no). The council cited community opposition, environmental concerns, and inconsistency with Memphis 3.0.
• Item 7 (Boeingshire Drive) was held until November 12, 2024 to allow community review of renderings and further negotiation.
• Item 6 (Poplar Avenue special use permit) was approved after a re-vote (unanimous).
• Items 8 and 9 (St. Jude street closures) were approved (item 9 as amended).
• All consent items and fiscal consent items passed unanimously.
• Item 35 (storm shelter moratorium) passed on roll call (10 yes, 1 recuse).
• The council approved a resolution requiring MATA to submit financials quarterly (Item 30).
• Appointments to MATA and the Groundwater Quality Control Board were confirmed.
• The meeting adjourned after public comments and approval of same-night minutes for multiple items.