Memphis City Council Meeting – May 6, 2025

The Memphis City Council convened on May 6, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. with a quorum present. The meeting opened with a prayer by Father Ben Bradshaw, approval of the April 22, 2025 minutes, and adoption of rules of decorum. The council considered multiple resolutions, ordinances, and public comments.

Consent Calendar

• Items 11–14 (ordinances establishing a downtown parking garage safety program, a joint city-county building home program, an appropriation ordinance for FY2026, and a zoning reclassification at 5433 Malone Road) were approved as a consent agenda with same‑night minutes on item 14. Item 30 (joint city‑county ordinance) was also added to the consent agenda. Councilmember White recused from item 30.
• Fiscal consent agenda (items 15–17): donations and grant acceptances were approved with same‑night minutes.
• MLGW fiscal consent agenda (items 18–25): various contract approvals and purchase orders were approved with same‑night minutes.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Item 8 (truck drop yard at Shelby Drive): Mary Donald (3183 Blue Bonnet Road) opposed the project, citing traffic safety, risk of unwanted activity, and lack of community benefit. She noted a land‑use control board member who lives in the area voted against it. Stevon Johnson (4766 Born Shelby Drive) echoed opposition, citing traffic accidents, speed violations, and skepticism about community amenities. Councilman Walker expressed opposition but requested a hold to review data on cargo theft and idling trucks.
• General comments: Catherine Crichton Smith (Angeles Street) described safety and nuisance issues from a short‑term rental next door. Gretchen Larson (424 Angeles Street) criticized the current short‑term rental ordinance enforcement and called for stricter regulations. Joe Kent criticized the zoo funding, MATA transit management, and requested an update on the MATA forensic audit. Glenda Hicks raised concerns about the budget deficit and urged no tax increases or fee hikes.

Discussion Items

• Item 1 – Resolution recognizing Davin and Kellen Bartosh (Wiseacre Brewing Company): Approved by acclamation.
• Item 2 – Resolution recognizing teachers for Teacher Appreciation Week: Councilwoman Easter Thomas read the resolution and named 13 teachers. The resolution was adopted.
• Item 3 – Street dedication on Sandbrook Street and Stonebrook Avenue: Approved unanimously.
• Item 5 – Special use permit at 611 East Cadraca Drive: Approved unanimously.
• Item 6 – Special use permit at 5205 Winchester Road: Staff recommended rejection, but the applicant (small business owner) presented updated plans. Councilmembers expressed support for giving the applicant a chance. The item passed with 11 yes votes (Cooper Sutton and Carlisle also yes, but not shown on initial screen; recast vote confirmed passage).
• Item 7 – Planned development at 2899 Lamar Avenue: Approved unanimously.
• Item 8 – Planned development at East Shelby Drive (truck drop yard): Staff had recommended rejection; applicant added a community garden and food truck park. Public comments opposed; Councilman Smiley noted support from a nearby pastor. Councilman Walker requested a hold for further data. The hold was granted without objection (two weeks).
• Item 9 – Zoning reclassification at Zero Mount Moriah: Third and final reading. Motion passed initially, but Councilman Logan later changed her vote to no, which altered the outcome. Councilman Smiley moved to hold until the next meeting; the hold was approved by acclamation after discussion with Attorney Wade about reconsideration procedures.
• Item 10 – Zoning reclassification on East Shelby Drive near Lamar Avenue: Approved.
• Add‑on items 27–29: Resolutions for fund transfers, budget amendment, and council community grant allocations were all approved with same‑night minutes.

Key Outcomes

• Votes: Items 3, 5, 7, 10, consent agendas, and add‑on items passed with near‑unanimous support (item 6 also passed after recast).
• Holds: Item 8 held until May 20, 2025; item 9 held until the next council meeting (reconsideration process).
• Same‑night minutes: Approved for items 14, 15, 16, 17, 27, 28, 29.
• Public feedback: Multiple speakers requested stronger regulation of short‑term rentals and voiced opposition to the Shelby Drive truck drop yard. Councilman Smiley offered to assist with documenting short‑term rental violations.
• Next steps: Council will revisit the held items at future meetings.