Memphis City Council Regular Meeting – March 18, 2025

The Memphis City Council met on March 18, 2025, at 10:00 AM. The meeting included a moment of silence for Pastor Ricky Floyd, recognition of community leaders, a contentious vote on a property sale related to XAI, and approval of numerous resolutions and ordinances. The council heard extensive public testimony and debated environmental and community concerns.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the February 18, 2025 meeting minutes (Councilwoman Cooper Sutton abstained).
• Approved items 4–13 (first and second readings of ordinances, zoning changes, and engineering plans) on the consent agenda. Items included the Cleveland Street Corridor Redevelopment Trust Fund, vacant property fee amendments, hotel occupancy tax increase, and two engineering resolutions.
• Approved MLGW fiscal consent items 19–25 (purchase orders for transformers, regulators, meters, and a new attorney salary).
• Approved fiscal consent items 16–18 (grants from Bloomberg Center, Memphis Fire Department Foundation, and Memphis Shelby County Schools).
• Approved item 26 (transfer of IT funds), item 27 (transfer for new Fraser Library), item 28 (Cleveland Street Corridor redevelopment with Councilwoman White recused), item 29 (FedEx Forum grant transfer), item 30 (City Hall improvements allocation), and item 31 (Overton Park sculpture relocation).
• Approved same-night minute items 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 24, 30, and 31.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Sarah Houston (Protect Our Aquifer) urged a pause on data center developments and greater local oversight. She expressed support for a water recycling facility but opposed rushed deals with XAI.
• Amber Sherman asked the council to vote no until designs are reviewed by the Land Use Control Board, citing community voice being ignored.
• Larise Smith called for more due diligence on transactions with Elon Musk/XAI, including environmental impact analyses and scrutiny of Musk’s business practices.
• Kelsey Hughes (software engineer turned city planning student) warned that XAI's promises (wastewater plant, jobs, tax revenue) mask long-term risks like increased aquifer drawdown, job elimination via AI, and pollution from gas turbines.
• Haley Thomas argued that XAI’s history (late utility payments, tax avoidance) shows disregard for the community and urged transparency.
• Kimberly Davis (Southwest Memphis resident) asked to deny the sale until proper review, noting high cancer and asthma rates in the area.
• Christine Fox (Memphis Community Against Pollution) implored the council to deny the sale until designs are reviewed.
• Keyshawn Pearson called for a pause, stating the community has been excluded from decisions since XAI began operations.
• Richard Massey highlighted that 50% of polluting facilities are in South Memphis and criticized allowing a “white nationalist billionaire” to pollute unchecked.
• Glenda Hicks (public comment) raised concerns about MLGW contracts with Honeywell and urged thorough research.
• Commissioner Brittany Thornton (county commission) requested later hours (until 8 PM) for the Orange Mound Library to improve access for working professionals.
• Gilbert Barnes Carter III supported XAI safeguards and urged legislative changes to require public appearances before the council.

Discussion Items

• Item 15 – Sale of 2685 Plant Road ($820,000): The administration requested approval for the sale of a city-owned parcel to support a water recycling facility for XAI. Councilwoman Cooper Sutton noted community opposition and urged colleagues to pause. Councilwoman Walker expressed support for the sale but stressed the need for accountability and safety information. Councilwoman White criticized the process, stating community questions remain unanswered and that the council should not ignore constituents. After public comments, the item passed 9-1-1 (Carlisle, Easter Thomas, Green, Spinoza, Swearingin Washington, Walker, Warren, White, Chairman Canale yes; Cooper Sutton no; Logan abstained).
• Item 14 – Sale of Zero Dexter Road ($280,000): Attorney Wade explained that the property was formerly intended for a fire station. The council received two other bids but deemed them non-conforming. The sale to Rockwood LLC was approved on second reading.
• Recognition of Pastor Ricky Floyd: The council held a moment of silence and allowed members to express condolences following his murder on March 12, 2025.
• Recognition of Vanessa Ford Sane: The council honored her 42 years of service and work with seniors (Orange Mound Energizers). Approved by acclamation.
• Recognition of Women in Elected Office: Councilman Smiley and Mayor Young recognized women serving on the Memphis City Council, Shelby County Commission, and Memphis-Shelby County School Board. Approved by acclamation.
• Honorary Street Name for Mario Bradley: A portion of Beacon Hill Drive was renamed “Mario ‘Grove Hero’ Bradley Way” for his philanthropy and neighborhood revitalization. Approved by acclamation.

Key Outcomes

• Item 15 passed (9-1-1): Sale of property to enable XAI water recycling facility, despite community concerns.
• All consent agenda items passed (unanimous or with minor abstentions/recusals).
• Item 14 passed (unanimous): Sale of Dexter Road to Rockwood LLC.
• Recognition resolutions and street naming approved by acclamation.
• Same-night minutes approved (unanimous).
• Meeting adjourned after public comment period.