Memphis City Council Regular Meeting - January 21, 2025

The Memphis City Council held its regular meeting on January 21, 2025, with a quorum present. The meeting opened with a prayer by Reverend Orinda W. Hawkins Brinkley, the chaplain of the day, and the approval of the January 7, 2025 meeting minutes. Key actions included the unanimous confirmation of Chief CJ Davis as permanent police chief, approval of a special use permit for a homeless family housing hub, and several consent agenda items. The council also recognized local youth and community leaders.

Honors & Recognitions

• The council presented a proclamation to the winners of the My Memphis Poetry Challenge, sponsored by Big Memphis and the Office of Youth Services, celebrating youth creativity and positivity.
• A resolution honoring the Melrose High School football team for their state championship run was adopted unanimously. Coaches and players spoke about overcoming adversity and their vision for community impact.
• Director of Parks Nick Walker was honored for his eight years of service, with council members praising his transformative work on parks and public spaces.

Discussion Items

• Appointment of Chief CJ Davis: Councilman Warren motioned to remove the appointment from the table, which passed unanimously. Chairman Canale then moved for permanent appointment. Council members Green, White, Cooper Sutton, Walker, and others spoke in support, acknowledging improvements in crime reduction, morale, and transparency while noting the need to address concerns raised in the DOJ report regarding treatment of youth and people with disabilities. The motion passed 13-0. Mayor Young also pledged continued partnership on public safety.
• Special Use Permit (SUP 24-46): A resolution approving a special use permit at 4055/4025 Poplar Avenue and 4007/3950 Central Avenue passed unanimously.
• Special Use Permit (SUP 24-42) – Hub for Homeless Families: The council approved a special use permit at 777 Firestone Avenue for a “hub” to house homeless families. Councilwoman Easter Thomas highlighted community engagement resulting in amendments (cottage units with kitchens/bathrooms). Council members Logan, Cooper Sutton, Walker, and Chairman Canale spoke passionately about the project’s importance, noting the lack of family shelter options and the need to reactivate the area. The item passed unanimously as amended.
• Riverfront Park Maintenance Funding (Item 25): A resolution appropriating $250,000 for riverfront park improvement and maintenance passed 12-1 (Smiley abstained). Public speaker Joe Kent criticized the Memphis Riverfront Partnership’s financial management, citing large unearned revenue and interest expenses, and urged rejection of the appropriation.
• MLGW Energy Conservation Notice: MLGW President Doug McGowan addressed the council, requesting customers conserve energy between 5 a.m. and 10 a.m. on January 22 due to a polar blast and expected record demand from TVA.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes of January 7, 2025.
• MLGW Fiscal Consent (Items 15-22): Including change orders and purchase orders for pollution control, IT support, software licensing, poles, cables, and grounds maintenance; all passed unanimously.
• Fiscal Consent (Items 13-14): Grant acceptance from Shelby County for police services and drug control policy; both passed unanimously.
• General Consent Agenda (Items 6-12 & 27): Included first and second readings of ordinances on transportation commission term limits, meeting date amendments, deadly weapons/extreme protection orders, pool naming, and building code updates. Councilman Carlisle recused himself from Item 12 (financial conflict). All passed.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Chet Kibble (Director, Memphis & Shelby County Lead Safe Collaborative) spoke about widespread lead exposure in Memphis, criticizing MLGW’s denial of the problem and citing research linking lead to brain damage and behavioral issues. He urged the council to address the crisis.
• Joe Kent (511 Mingo) criticized the council for lack of oversight of MATA, stating that $60 million in COVID funds were squandered. He demanded the council investigate MATA’s financial management and help with public information requests. Councilwoman Green responded that MATA is scheduled to present quarterly financials on February 4, 2025.

Key Outcomes

• Permanent appointment of Chief CJ Davis: approved 13-0.
• Special use permit for homeless family hub (777 Firestone Ave): approved unanimously as amended.
• All consent items and resolutions passed with broad support (several unanimous, one abstention on Item 25).
• Same-night minutes approved for Items 13, 14, 18, and Special Item 2.
• Councilwoman Green committed to a transportation committee presentation from MATA on February 4, 2025.