The Memphis City Council held its regular meeting on April 22, 2025, at 10:00 AM. The meeting opened with a prayer led by Bishop Marvin Frank Thomas, followed by a surprise resolution honoring him. After roll call and approval of minutes from April 8, 2025, the council addressed multiple resolutions, two land use appeals, consent agenda items, and public comments. Key votes included approval of a parking lot extension, a rezoning for a Tractor Supply store, and a hold on a subdivision appeal.
Sergeant Arms, if you call the meeting to order, please. Oh, yes, we have the council's city. All right, please. I would like to recognize our chaplain of the day, Bishop Marvin Frank Thomas from Trinity Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. Invited by Madame Vice Chair Swirns in Washington. Bishop Thomas, would you please lead us in prayer, sir? Let us pray. God of grace and God of glory, we acknowledge your presence, grace, and power. We come before you to give thanks to you for all the blessings you have blessed us with. We pause at the beginning of this meeting of the city council of the city of Memphis, Tennessee, as we do. We do so to thank you for our city and to ask your blessings upon her and all who make Memphis what Memphis is. Thank you for these called and elected leaders of our city. Grant grace, compassion, and wisdom to our mayor and the members of the city council. As these called and elected members of the Memphis City Council and their supported staffs engage in the business of the city that is before them today. Please manifest your presence as the conversations, discussions, and decisions are being made for the good of Memphis and all that is Memphis. God of grace and glory, pour new your power upon this council as it meets this day. None other than my bishop, Bishop Marvin Frank Thomas Sr. In recognition of a life of exemplary qualities, outstanding service to the city, meritus involvement in humanitarian affairs, and demonstrated concern for governmental process has been appointed. Jay Ford Canale, Chairman, Janet Swearing, Washington, member of the Memphis City Council. And Bishop, this you are going to also receive a surprise resolution. Yes, we know how to surprise you, because we are most appreciative of your service in the city of Memphis and how you are working with the mayor's office, working with the different denominations and the community, and we are excited about your leadership, and we're thankful for all that you do. Whereas on occasion, the Memphis City Council seeks to honor individuals who have enriched the community, of whose legacy of leadership surprise and their service and their spiritual guidance is worthy of recognition. Bishop Marvin Thomas Sr. is one such individual whose work in ministry, education, and civic engagement has left a lasting mark on Memphis and beyond. Whereas he currently chairs the Board of Trustees of Lane College, the CME Department of Lay Ministry, the Connectional Headquarters Board, and the Collins Chapel Board of Directors, and the John Madison Exam Towers. Whereas Bishop Marvin Frank Thomas is a life member and national board member of the NAACP, a member of Alpha Five Alpha Fraternity Incorporated, and has received honorary doctorates from Texas College and Steelman College, which also named him as a distinguished alumnus of 2022. Whereas Bishop Thomas is a proud father to two children, Courtney Leah Thomas and Marvin Frank Thomas Jr. And a loving grandfather to Cameron, cherishing the values of faith, family, and service in the speeches of life. Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Memphis City Council honors Bishop Marvin Frank Thomas Sr. for his unwavering commitment to ministry, to education and the community. And we celebrate the impact of his work across the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church and the City of Memphis. May his legacy of leadership, compassion, and faith continue to inspire for generations to come, given by my hand under the great seal of the city of Memphis on this 22nd day of April 2025. Janna Swearing, Washington, Memphis City Council, District 4. God bless you for your leadership. Thank you so much. Thank you so much. And my photographer is going to take a picture. Thank you for all that you do. Thank you, Bishop Thomas foring with us and over us today. Madam Countroller, would you please call the roll? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Council Member Carlisle. Cooper Sutton, present. Easter Thomas. Ford. Green. Logan. Present. Smiley.