Sergeant Arvis, please call our October seventh, twenty twenty-five council meeting to order.

The chaplain of the day is Bishop Edward Houston Stevens Junior from Golden Gate Cathedral.

Bishop Stevens, would you please lead us in prayer?

Let us pray.

Thanking you for the beautiful city of Memphis and for each person gathered in this chamber.

And we humbly invite your presence into this meeting.

Father God, we thank you for the rich heritage of this city from the banks of the mighty Mississippi to the spirit of resilience that defines our people.

And we praise you for the leaders that you have called to serve, and we ask that you would fill them with supernatural wisdom, discernment, and courage as they make decisions that affect our community.

And Lord, we pray and we declare hope over Memphis, hope for our neighborhoods, hope for our schools, hope for our businesses, and hope for every family within our city limits.

Where there has been discouragement, breathe fresh vision, where there have been challenges, open doors of opportunity, and we believe that your plans for our city are plans to prosper us and not to harm us, plans to give us hope and a future.

We thank you for all that you do, not only as the bishop of Golden Gate Cathedral, but the bishop for many of us who don't attend.

And I know we have some in the audience today, but all that you've done for the community.

We know you all have a school, the way that you always answer the call for service.

Pray over our city and care and love for us.

Personally, me.

So we have a gift for you from the city of Memphis.

And then they didn't come aside.

We have another gift from me.

Thank you.

And thank you so much.

Thank you.

Thank you, Councilmember.

Thank you, Bishop Stevens.

Always good to see you.

Thank you for praying with us and over us today.

Madam Comptroller, would you please call the roll?

Thank you, Mr.

Chairman.

Councilmember Carlisle.

Cooper Sutton.

Easter Thomas.

Ford.

Green.

Logan.

Smiley.

Spinoza.

Swamrington, Washington.

Present.

Walker.

Present.

Warren.

White.

Chairman Canale.

Mr.

Chairman, you have a quorum.

Thank you, Madam Comptroller.

I believe Madam Vice Chair has read the meeting minutes for our September 23rd, 2025 meeting.

Thank you, Chair.

I have reviewed the minutes and find them to be in order.

I move for the adoption of the September 23rd, 2025 meeting minutes as amended.

I so move.

That item was moved by Swear Engine Washington, seconded by Spinoza.

Seeing no members in the queue, please appear the voting screen for our meeting minutes.

For the minutes.

Please show Council Member Easter Thomas as voting yes on the minutes.

Ford, yes.

Green, yes.

Logan, yes.

Smiley, yes, Spinoza, yes.

Swearing Washington, yes.

Walker, yes, Warren, yes.

White, yes.

Chairman Canale, yes.

That item passes.

Welcome to the October 7, 2025 regular meeting of the Memphis City Council.

Meetings of the council shall be conducted in an orderly manner to ensure the public has the full opportunity to be heard in the deliberate process of the council is retained at all times.

The sergeant arms has meeting agendas available up front as well as comment request cards for members of the public wishing to be heard on a specific item.

All those wishing to speak on an item must turn in their comment card to the sergeant at arms before the item is called.

If you are not here to speak on a specific item, you can note your request to give general comment at the end of the meeting.

As chair, I will only recognize citizens that properly register to speak by submitting a completed comment request card to the sergeant at arms.

Members of the audience and persons addressing the council will not be permitted to engage in gossip, make defamatory, personal, slanderous or profane comments, or use abusive or vulgar language.

The chairperson of the council may maintain order by giving any persons who are in violation of the stated rules of decorum a warning to cease any violative conduct in order to leave the council's chambers, or by giving an order for security personnel to remove any disruptive person in the council's chambers who refuses to leave voluntarily.

Signs larger than the permitted size are prohibited and will be removed from the chamber.

All that to say, let's have a great meeting.

Some housekeeping items holds.

Thank you, Chair.

It is our privilege to stand here to be able to acknowledge breast cancer awareness.

Whereas breast cancer awareness is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers in women worldwide, posing significant public health challenges and personal societal hardships.

And apart from skin cancers is the most common cancer diagnosed among women in the United States, with more than three hundred and nineteen thousand new cases expected this year, and over four million survivors currently living in the country.

Whereas approximately one hundred and fifty thousand people in the United States are living with masthetic breast cancer, a stage that requires ongoing treatments and the vital support of family friends and caregivers to help them cope with the physical and emotional challenges of the disease.

And whereas the American Cancer Society stands alone in its comprehensive approach to combating cancer and is dedicated crucial resources to support emerging medical researchers, particularly as federal research funds have decreased, helping to nurture the next generation of cancer societ scientists and drive progress in cancer treatment and prevention.

And whereas, to these efforts, the American Cancer Society has contributed to notable increases in cancer survival rates, including for breast cancer, and remains a vital source of life-saving education and direct support for individuals and families affected by cancer, both in Memphis and nationwide.

Whereas the Memphis City Council recognizes the courage and resilience of all breast cancer patients and survivors, and the importance of continued support for research, education, and access to care to reduce the burden of this disease.

Now, therefore be it resolved that the entire Memphis City Council hereby recognizes October as breast cancer awareness month in the city of Memphis and calls upon residents to increase awareness of breast cancer, support those affected by the disease, and participate in programs and initiatives that advance education, research, and early detection adopted October seventh, twenty twenty five.

Would you like to say something on the hair?

Council members, could you please join the chair and a vice chair down for a picture?

Like Madam Cup Troller, could you please call item number three?

Item number three is a resolution honoring Roblin J.

Webb for her outstanding academic achievements.

This resolution is sponsored by Councilman Ford Seniors.

Councilman Ford Senior, you're recognized.

Appreciate your chair.

Uh, we're gonna see a little short video first, and then I'm gonna present this proclamation to her.

Thank you.

I always instilled in her the importance of getting along with people, but at the same time understanding your environment.

She had a friend early on, and she came home one day and said that the little girl said, I don't want to play with you anymore because I'm not supposed to like black people.

And it stuck with her, and I explained to her that it it wasn't her problem, it was a little girl's problem.

She didn't know any better.

Always understand your self-worth and know how valuable you are to yourself, and she never forgot that.

Every student deserves an education that launches a life of freedom and post.

She carried that vision to philanthropists across the city and across the nation to talented teachers and administrators to skeptical parents, and yes, even to the Shelby County School Board.

One by one they said yes, because she believed it first.

The first day of school, this little girl comes around the corner, had a little backpack on, and we were so excited, just holding that one student from that moment to now.

She's open so many different schools.

The growth has been tremendous.

Roblin, 15 years plus, found the first building, and now I have college graduates.

How it was described to me is like a private school experience, but for free to those students who are economically disadvantaged.

That's a huge undertaking, and she has just set that path and blazed forward with her vision.

Robin gave me a chance.

She believed in me when a lot of people were ready to give up on me, and that is why I'm still in education almost fourteen years later.

She always leads with a deep sense of purpose, always grounded, always steady and always with heart.

From starting with a sixth grade middle school class all the way to now servering pre-K through twelfth grade and teaching the levels of college experience, showing that Freedom Preference says continues to thrive.

None of it would be possible without the start of Ms.

Webb's.

Roblin has been a huge source of inspiration for me to see another black woman leading this field with as much grace and as much poise as she does on a daily basis.

Roblin on the half of the students, families, colleagues, board, and friends.

Thank you for daring to dream and for refusing to quit.

I'm extremely proud of everything that you've accomplished and achieved.

And everything that you will continue to achieve.

Thank you for being the example for being that woman that has pioneered and set the example for so many young black girls and boys as well.

You are that auntie to my two daughters, and I'm so proud that they can look up to you and see what it looks like to be such a strong black person and a strong black woman in this community.

All right, Council members.

Um I'm gonna just read part of the resolution, and I'm gonna let Councilman Ford uh close it and finish it off.

Whereas Robin's visionary leadership and dedication has have left a lasting mark on thousands of students, families, and educators.

Her legacy will continue to shape the lives of communities for generations to come.

Robin J Well will now embark on a new journey as this chapter of her life closes on part of her retirement.

You know, I'm not sure she's old enough to be retired.

Um I was confused for a minute.

Uh, from Freedom Preparatory Academy Charter Schools.

We hope she will take time to relax.

I'm not sure she will be doing that and enjoy life with family.

Councilman Ford.

Okay.

Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Memphis City Council commemorates many years of visionary leadership and congratulates Robin J.

Webb on her retirement.

Like you said, too young.

This is just the beginning.

There you go, and wishes all the best in the future endeavors.

Adopted Tuesday, October 7th, 2025.

Edmund Ford Sr.

in the Memphis City Council.

Appreciate you.

And this is by acclamation.

Okay.

And we want you to see a few years.

Oh, you say a few words?

Yes.

She's ready to talk too.

Okay.

All thank you all.

It has been a um the honor of a lifetime serving this community, graduating thousands of kids and sending thousands of them to college.

So I thank you all and look forward to the next chapter.

This is yours.

Thank you, Mr.

Chairman.

Madam Comptroller, would you please call item number one?

Item number one is a resolution recognizing principals in honor of National Principles Month.

This resolution is sponsored by the Memphis City Council.

Councilwoman Dr.

Easter Thomas, you're recognized.

Good afternoon, colleagues, City of Memphis.

This is October.

It's National Principles Month.

So I'm joined here by two of my colleagues and soon to be all colleagues.

Um, so I will enlist you in reading of the resolution.

Okay.

Councilman Smiley, can you start us off?

Absolutely.

I do what I'm told a lot.

Yeah, I know that's not true.

Whereas principals serve as a cornerstone of schools across the city of Memphis, shaping the academic success and personal growth of thousands of students each year, and whereas principals are educational leaders who foster safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environments, promote excellence and teaching, and build strong partnerships among students, parents, teachers, and the community.

And whereas National Principles Month is celebrated each October across the United States to recognize the vital role principals play in ensuring high quality education for every child and where is the Memphis City Council acknowledges the outstanding leadership vision and dedication of principals in Memphis who inspire both students and educators to strive for excellence and principals not only advance academic achievement, but also nurture character, resilience, and community pride, contributing to the success and well-being of the city as a whole, and it is fitting that the Memphis City Council joins educators, students, families, and the larger community in expressing our deepest gratitude to the city's principals for their tireless commitment and service.

Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Memphis City Council, as we're being joined by you all now.

Come down, does hereby recognize October 2025 as National Principals Month and honors the principals of Memphis for their outstanding leadership, dedication, and invaluable contribution to the education and the community.

The Memphis City Council proudly honors the following principles in recognition of National Principles Month.

Principals, as we call your names, I would ask that you please join us up here at the podium.

And council members, if you can stand by your nominee, that way we can get easier pictures.

All right, now that that's the spirit.

Janice Brown, Star Academy.

Here a little competition.

Stacey Spinoza Johnson, Germantown Elementary.

Dr.

Trenton Watson, Westwood High.

Snowden, Middle School.

Eureka McAfee, Alcy Elementary.

Eric Brent, Tresvent High School.

Dr.

Zonia Glover Hanley Elementary.

Lamon Daniels, Land Academy Elementary School.

There you go.

Jocelyn Mosby, OK Ven High.

And lastly, Miss Jamie Fowler White, Scenic Hills Elementary.

Can we please give it up for all of our principals, you all?

Can we get a standing ovation for all of our principals here today?

Can you get a picture?

Okay.

Okay, it's a good idea.

Madam Controller, would you please call the consent agenda?

On our consent agenda.

Are you were you s were you serious?

Were you on our consent agenda?

We have item number six up for a second reading.

Ordinance number five nine five five is sponsored by the division of plan.

On our consent agenda, we have item number five held.

Item number six is up for second reading.

Ordinance number five nine five five is sponsored by the division of planning and development.

Item number seven is also up for second reading.

Ordinance number five nine five six is sponsored by the division of planning and development.

I know principals know how to follow directions.

We're gonna all move outside.

The chair is being very lenient and flexible.

We recess it for five minutes so we can go outside.

Thank you, Chair.

My apologies.

Happy Principles Month.

Might as well do a brief recess at this point.

Item number six on our consent agenda.

Is up for second reading.

Ordinance number five nine five five is sponsored by the division of planning and development.

Item number seven is up for second reading.

Madam Controller, did you complete items six through eight?

Yes, I did, sir.

That concludes our consent agenda.

Okay, Madam Vice Chair, you're recognized.

Thank you, Chair.

The committee met, and there was there was a favorable recommendation for all these items, and I so move.

Item was moved by Square Engine Washington, seconded by Carlisle.

Councilwoman White, you're recognized.

Thank you so much, Chairman.

I'm recusing from number six and number seven from the consent agenda, as I am special counsel for the county commission.

Noted.

Please show white as a recusal.

And seeing no other members in the queue, please prepare the voting screen.

Carlisle, yes, Easter Thomas, yes, Ford, yes, Green, yes, Swearingen, Washington, yes.

Walker, yes, white recused.

Chairman Canale, yes.

That item passes.

Madam Comptroller, please take us to our fiscal consent agenda items nine through eleven.

Item number nine is a resolution to accept grant funds in the amount of thirty-five thousand dollars from the Tennessee Highway Safety Office through the Tennessee Department of Safety for the FY 2026 bicycle and pedestrian safety grant.

All council districts.

This resolution is sponsored by police services, and there is a request for same night minutes.

Number 10 is a resolution to accept grant funds in the amount of $400,000 from the Tennessee Highway Safety Office through the Tennessee Department of Safety for the FY 2026 community-based traffic enforcement and education grant.

All council districts.

This resolution is sponsored by police services, and there's also a request for same night minutes.

Item number 11 is a resolution to accept the contribution from the Tennessee Valley Authority given to the City of Memphis Division of Housing and Community Development to support the efforts to increase quality affordable housing through the Efficient Homes for All program in the amount of $500,000.

All council districts.

Mr.

Chairman, that concludes our fiscal consent items.

Madam Vice Chair, you recognize.

Thank you, Chair.

The committee met.

There was a favorable recommendation to accept all of these grant program funding.

And I so move.

Seconded by Warren.

Seeing no members in the queue, please pair the voting screen.

Carlisle, yes.

Easter Thomas, yes, Ford, yes, Green, yes, Smiley, yes.

Swearing Washington, yes, Walker, yes, Warren, yes, White, yes.

Chairman Canale, please show Councilwoman Logan is voting yes on this item.

And also Chairman Canale, yes.

That item passes.

Madam Comptroller, please call our MLGW fiscal consent items 12 through 21.

Thank you, Mr.

Chairman.

Item number 12 is a resolution awarding contract number one two five six two in service would pull poll trust restoration system to Osmos Inc.

Utility Services in the funded amount of seven million six thousand three hundred and ninety-eight dollars and eighty-six cents.

Item number thirteen is a resolution awarding purchase order for fiber optic material to ATG Supply LLC in the amount of 352,945.

Item number 14 is a resolution awarding 60 month purchase order for batteries, racks, and chargers to SAFT America Inc in an amount not to exceed $2,500,000.

Item number 15 is a resolution awarding 60 month purchase orders for power transformers to proli GE Wakeesha Inc.

and Hitachi Energy as primary partners to the Pennsylvania Transformer Technology as an emergency partner in an amount not to exceed 112 million dollars.

Item number 16 is a resolution approving ratification and renewal to contract number 12568 Aerial Patrol Survey Gas Transmission Right of Way with Tennessee Helicopter Services to ratify and renew the current contract in the funded amount of 140,000 dollars.

Item number 17 is a resolution approving increase to contract number 12288 gas matrix utility landscaping with enlightenment inc doing business as APS facility maintenance to increase the current contract in the funded amount of 267,411.85 cents.

Item number 18 resolution approving renewal to contract number 12286 MLGW utility payment centers with first tech incorporated to renew the current contract in the funded amount of 250,338.

Item number 19 is a resolution awarding purchase order for one-ton service trucks to Auto Nation Ford Memphis in the amount of 364,766 and 56 cents.

Item number 20 is a resolution approving and annual salary in the amount of 127,279 and 80 cents for a new hire to fill the vacant position of supervisor internal audit internal audit compliance and data analytics.

And our final item is number 21, resolution approving change number five to contract number 12103, workers compensation stop loss brokering with Willis Towers Watson of Tennessee Inc.

to ratify and extend the current contract in the funded amount of $60,000.

Mr.

Chairman, that is your final item on our MLGW fiscal consent agenda.

Thank you, Madam Comptroller.

Councilman Spinoza, you're recognized.

Thank you, Mr.

Chair.

Committee met.

Thank you, Vice Chair Walker.

Recommended approval when I submit.

MLGW is moved by Walker, seconded by Warren.

Seeing the members in the queue, please prepare the voting screen.

Carlisle, yes, Cooper Sutton, yes.

Easter Thomas, yes, Ford, yes, Green, yes, Logan, yes.

Smiley, yes, Spinoza, yes, Swearing, Washington, yes, Walker, yes, Warren, yes, White, yes, Chairman Canale, yes.

That item passes.

Madam Comptroller, please call item 23.

Item number 23 is an initial resolution authorizing the issuance of not to exceed 150 million dollars general obligation bonds and bond anticipation notes of the City of Memphis, Tennessee, pursuant to the local government public obligations act of 1986, being Title 9, Chapter 21 of the Tennessee Code annotated for the purpose of financing the cost of public works projects in the city.

All council districts.

This resolution is sponsored by the administration.

Council McCarlaw, you recognize.

Carlisle, yes, Cooper Sutton, yes, Ford, yes, green, yes, Logan, yes, Smiley, yes, Spinoza, yes, Swearington, Washington, yes, Walker, yes, Warren, yes, white, yes.

Please show council member Easter Thomas's voting yes on this item, and Chairman Canale, yes.

That item passes.

Madam Calor, please call item 24.

Aggregate principal amount of City of Memphis, Tennessee, General Improvement Bond, Series 2025 for the purpose of financing the cost of public works projects and or paying at maturity the principal of certain outstanding bond anticipation notes of the city issued as general obligation commercial paper, making provisions for the raising annually by the city of a sum sufficient to pay as the same shall become due, the principal of and premium, if any, and interest on such bonds, prescribing the form and certain details of such bonds, and delegating to the chief financial officer of the city the authority to determine additional details, appointing the paying and registration agent for such bond, authorizing and providing for the competitive public sale of such bonds, approving the preparation and distribution of a preliminary official statement relating to such bonds, and approving the form thereof, authorizing and approving an official statement in connection with the issuance of said bonds, and authorizing certain other matters with respect to the issuance and sale of said bonds.

All council districts, this resolution is sponsored by the administration.

Councilman Carl, you're recognized.

Thank you, Mr.

Chairman.

The committee mat recommends approval and I so move.

24 was moved by Carlisle, seconded by Warren, seeing the members in the queue, please prepare the voting screen.

Carlisle, yes, Cooper Sutton, yes, Easter Thomas, yes, Ford, yes, Green, yes, Logan, yes, Smiley, yes, Spinoza, yes, Swarring Washington, yes, Walker, yes, Warren, yes, white, yes, and Chairman Canale, yes.

That item passes.

Madam Countroller, please call item 25.

Thank you, Mr.

Chairman.

Item number 25 up on our screen is a resolution to appropriate a million dollars in CIP funds for operational infrastructure enhancements, project IT 01003.

All council districts.

This resolution is sponsored by the administration.

Councilwoman Green, you're recognized.

Thank you, Chair.

The committee met recommended approval and I so move.

23 was moved by Green, seconded by Warren.

Seeing the members in the queue, please prepare the voting screen.

Did I say 25?

What would I say?

23, 25.

I mean, it's all in the details.

Carlisle, yes.

Cooper Sutton, yes, Easter Thomas, yes, Ford, yes, Green, yes, Logan, yes, Spinoza, yes, Swearing Washington, yes.

Please show council member Smiley is voting yes on this item.

Walker, yes, Warren, yes, white, yes, and Chairman Canale, yes.

Item 25 passes.

Madam Comptroller, would you please call item 26?

Item number 26 is a resolution transferring 200,000 dollars in FY26 allocations from CIP project number IT 01006, IT improvement cover line to CIP project number IT 01007, operational infrastructure fix.

All council districts.

This resolution is sponsored by the administration.

Councilwoman Green, you're recognized.

Thank you, Chair.

The committee met recommended approval and I so move.

26 is moved by Green, seconded by Warren.

Seeing the members in the queue, please prepare the voting screen.

Carlisle, yes, Cooper Sudden, yes, Easter Thomas, yes, Ford, yes, Green, yes, Logan, yes, Smiley, yes, Spinoza, yes, Swearing, Washington, yes, Walker, yes, Warren, yes, white, yes, Chairman Canale, yes.

That item passes.

Madam Comptroller, please call item 27.

Item number 27 is a resolution to appropriate two million dollars in CIP funds for the Smart City Project.

CIP project number IT 01009.

All council districts.

This resolution is sponsored by the administration.

Councilwoman Green, you're recognized.

Thank you, Chair.

Committee Met recommended approval, and I so move.

27 was moved by Green, seconded by Warren.

Seeing the members in the queue, please prepare the voting screen.

Carlisle, yes, Cooper Sutton, yes, Easter Thomas, yes, Ford, yes, Green, yes, Logan, yes, Smiley, yes, Spinoza, yes, Swimmer, Washington, yes, Walker, yes, Warren, yes, white, yes, Chairman Canale, yes.

That item passes.

Madam Countroller, please call item 28.

Item number 28 is a resolution requesting that Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris convene a meeting of stakeholders to discuss the plan rebuild of a regional one hospital.

District 6, Super District 8.

This resolution is sponsored by Councilman Warren.

It was held from September 23rd.

Councilwoman Dr.

Easter Thomas, you recognize thank you, Chair.

Uh the committee met this was held from September 23rd, and we sent it down with no recommendation.

Does the maker of the resolution need to say anything with this Mr.

Chairman?

Uh screen purposes.

Yeah.

Dr.

Warren, you're recognized.

Uh thank you, Mr.

Chair.

Uh colleagues, this is a resolution requesting a county mayor to call a meeting of stakeholders.

And by that I'm talking about uh the powers that be at Regional One, the powers that be at Baptist, the powers that be at Methodist Hospital, business leaders, various people from the medical community to talk and see if building a 1.9 billion dollar hospital is the most appropriate use of funds right now, or if there's other things we can do to get these same services.

Just so you have some background on this, I have been working on this for like four months, five months, to try to see if we could get a meeting called by the mayor of the this group.

Um, and I've been unsuccessful in doing that.

I went to the county commission one night and waited eight hours to talk at one of their meetings.

It was during budget, and by the time it came time for me to talk, it was about 10 o'clock at night.

So it seemed sort of fruitless to try to talk a complex subject at 10 o'clock at night, and I went back four weeks later to discuss it.

Uh when I brought it up and and sort of talked with the county commission about this.

Um, what they that's okay.

Why are you here, Dr.

Warren?

Uh that's okay.

Uh I'm used to being cut off.

I'm married.

Uh so why are you here, Dr.

Warren?

Um, your your council hasn't asked us to do this, and so I brought this back to the council to see if I could get us to just ask for the mayor to call a meeting.

For what it's worth, I've discussed this with many of the major local philanthropists.

I've discussed it with many doctors of influence in town, and they think that perhaps we're moving a little too quickly on this without looking at all of our other options.

1.9 billion dollars will be the largest amount of money ever spent on a public structure in Shelby County history.

Uh, the other issue that you've got is we're 1.2 billion dollars behind on deferred maintenance in our schools.

We have a jail that is in disarray and needs to be moved, and you guys all know we're not responsible for doing any of this.

Uh that's the county commission that needs to do it.

So all I'm asking is that we as a county, as a city council, and being the other governing body that spends the most money in our county, say, guys, could you just take a minute and talk with everybody and see if there might not be some way that we could take the money you're planning on spending here, use it somewhere else, and still get the same result by alternative means.

So I would appreciate you guys considering this uh resolution and voting to ask for a meeting.

It could be at the end of the meeting, everyone's going to come away and say, Well, there's nothing else we can do but build this hospital.

But without a meeting, we have turned away any chance we have at an alternative decision that may in the long run allow us to do other things as a county.

So uh that's what I'm asking for in this, and I'm open for questions.

Thank you, Mr.

Chair.

Thank you, Councilman Warren.

Um, I don't know if I mentioned it the earlier that Easter Thomas moved to second of my swearing from Washington.

I'm gonna go to the queue to White Green and Carlisle, and then I'm gonna come to public comment, Dr.

Carnita Atwater.

So, Councilwoman White, you're recognized first.

Thank you, Chairman.

I will be recusing from this matter uh as I am special counsel for the county commission.

Please note White as a recusal councilman Green, you're recognized.

Thank you, Chair.

Um, as deputy chief of staff to Mayor Lee Harris and somebody who's worked intimately on this project on the other side of the street for five years, I will be recusing myself.

Please note Green as a recusal as well.

Councilman Carlow, you're recognized.

Thank you, Mr.

Chairman.

I'm probably, I would think the least up to speed on the subject matter, other than what the public has said.

Uh or rather has been reported to the public.

Um I understand that there was a horizon.

Obviously, I read the news this week.

I'm I'm we we don't have to get into the details of it, but typically for these things, I really don't like them.

Uh until I'm gonna get I'm gonna get to the typical typically I do not like them.

I think they don't they don't do a lot, although I will say for Councilman Ward, he over the years has surprised me uh many times by keeping the conversation going, and sometimes not to success and other times too success.

While I don't know if there is an actual delay, like I don't know the intimate details.

If there is some sort of pause or potential pause, I don't see any reason in supporting a colleague for then I'm just speaking for myself, not you guys vote your conscience.

But for me, I don't see any reason supporting a colleague asking for a meeting.

Uh if it if if he feels like as an official um as an official act by this body because it is so important to the local ecosystem and it's so outside of my depth, probably a more public dialogue about it might be helpful.

But again, I say that humbly because I'm just not as up to speed on it, but I don't see the harm in having a medical doctor who sits on the body uh, you know, of the Memphis City Council, which represents two-thirds of the county call a meeting.

Yeah, I mean, I just don't see the harm in it now that there may be some sort of delay.

So I'll support Councilman Warren this, but uh I haven't read the language, but but it's basically I I have no issue with more discussion around opportunities since it seems to be a slight pause uh or a potential pause and and how or where um both the physical asset may be set up, but also how the operational agreement between some of the entities that are involved, including teaching hospitals, etc.

Again, this is so far over my pay grade, I'll be quiet, but I don't see the harm at this point, and and at least saying, hey, look, an additional conversation can't hurt.

So typically I would abstain or stay out of these things, and I probably should, but I just don't see the harm in the conversation at this point.

And I think that that that's what I see my colleague after the six years with them is he just wants to have the conversation.

Um, and so I'll leave it at that.

Thank you.

Uh, to the body and and uh to the chair.

Thank you, Councilman Carlisle.

Dr.

Carnita Atwater.

All right.

Seeing no other members in the queue, please prepare the book.

Uh hold on, hold on.

Councilwoman Cooper Sutton, you're recognized.

Yes, I have one question, and I just asked this question.

Regional one is the hospital we're talking about, right?

Which was the med, right?

And I did some research, which was John Gaskin.

Gaskin stun.

Okay, so this hospital's been around for many, many, many, many years.

Am I right?

I mean, I'm just asking question because I'm I'm I just want to make sure I understand the history of this church.

I mean, of this hospital.

And from what I researched and what I uh understand, it's a trauma hospital, right?

All trauma across all these counties come here.

And was it the first was it the only place that black people could go at one point at one time here in the city of Memphis?

Kind of sort of I mean I'm just trying to understand the history behind this, and I understand you know, my colleague as a doctor and his stand on it too, but I'm just trying to find out the history of it from the long time.

Uh uh you all that's been here much longer than I have and understand the history of behind this.

So I just th those are just a few questions that I had just to make sure that I did my correct research.

That this hospital has three names.

This is the third name.

And was Evis Presley a something on there?

I saw said something about Elvis.

I'm thinking Elvis Trauma Center.

Okay.

All right.

So you're talking about a historical hospital that's trying to upgrade, and it's a trauma center that everybody around the county and the state comes to, right?

Okay.

All right.

Thank you.

Thank you, Councilwoman.

Uh-huh.

Uh Councilman Warren, you're recognized.

Thank you, Mr.

Chair.

Um, of interest, um, a regional one originally was uh John Gaston Hospital.

It was a hospital for the poor, and it was primarily the hospital where most African Americans could go at that time because we had segregated society.

Currently, uh it services about eight percent of uh the people that are seen in Memphis and Shelby County, and the vast majority of our poor in African Americans are seen at Methodists, Baptists, and St.

Francis.

Uh because now we have a law called Mtala, which means if anybody enters emergency department and they need medical care, no matter who they are, whether they can pay, they're going to get taken care of.

Currently, Region One is a level one trauma center.

It's the only level one trauma center we have.

It also is the home of our burn center and the home of a neonatalized and one of the first ones in the country, a great one.

Uh the issue is not whether we need the services that Region One offers or whether Region One should, you know, build a new hospital.

The question is, can we continue these services and can we figure out a way to do this in such a way that we don't spend a lot of money when we have other issues, and we can't do that unless we talk.

So the resolution is can we get together and talk and see if we have options before we spend this money?

I have been working on trying to get people to talk for four to five months.

Uh I've had meetings with all of these stack stakeholders, the heads of all the hospitals, trying to get them to a meeting, and everyone says if Mayor Harris would call a meeting, we would come.

So I am asking us to ask Mayor Harris to call a meeting, not that we have any power over that.

And if we do this and he doesn't call a meeting, I feel like I've done my due diligence, I've done what I can do, and that's all we can do.

So I would appreciate you guys' consideration and voting to ask for a meeting.

Thank you very much.

Thank you, Councilman Carlow.

Thank thank you, Mr.

Chairman.

That's that's what I was gonna say.

I at the end of the day, uh, the conversation's not here at this diet, it's it's with the people involved, and so I see Councilman Logan, I want to be respectful to her, but after that, I would ask the chairman to call the vote.

Councilwoman Logan Chair.

Would it be a problem, Dr.

Warren?

For and I do understand you, you know, wanting to have that dialogue.

Would it be a problem for us to um request the count the commissioners that are wanting to uh build this to come to a meeting?

Um I am Mr.

Chair, I think that they would be involved in this meeting.

Probably the head of their uh health care uh committee would be at this meeting, and I would hope that I would be at this meeting as a doctor from the count from the council when it occurs.

Again, this is just if this occurs, it's just gonna be a meeting of people to talk about opportunities.

And certainly there would be someone from the county commission there because that's what was requested.

Uh and you know, I think it was in early August.

I met with Harold Collins, and he agreed to try to get this meeting going.

We just haven't had it yet.

So since that time I've been going through the process asking for this, and the last thing was well, why should we listen to you, Dr.

Warren?

Your council hasn't even asked for this.

So it's colleagues, I'm asking you to ask for a meeting.

I was meaning the council have a meeting and or committee and ask them to come.

One of them, the ones that are pushing it to come and speak and share why they want to do it and talk about the pros and cons.

We have our own meeting just a meeting.

Yeah.

Having them come, you know.

I just think it would be best if we voted on it tonight, whether it goes up or down, because I brought it to you guys, and you know, it's it's it's just asking for a meeting.

Worst case scenario, we asked for a meeting and they don't do it.

Thank you.

Councilwoman Logan, does that conclude your comments?

Thank you.

I yield back.

Madam Countroller, please prepare the voting screen for 28.

Carlisle, yes, Easter Thomas, yes, Ford, yes, green recuse, Logan abstained.

Pardon me.

Oh, thank you.

Logan change that to yes, ma'am.

Thank you.

Madam, please.

Recorder is yes.

I read it wrong.

Smiley, yes, Spinoza, yes.

Swearing Washington, yes, Walker, yes, Warren, yes, White recused, Chairman Canale, yes.

That item passes.

Yeah.

Council Ford Senior, you're recognized.

I know we just voted on this.

There's no problem with having a meeting.

But when we send this out as a resolution, you're trying to send to the county mayor.

Okay.

That's just like the city mayor.

That's irrelevant.

We should be sending this to the county commission.

Okay, instead of them because they are the ones which would have to vote to do any of the monies and all the red.

It may go upstairs to the county mayor.

He can sign it a veto.

Okay.

But when we're doing this, in which I don't have a problem with it, okay.

But like uh councilwoman Logan was saying, we need to be trying to really talk with the county commission, not the mayor right now.

Okay.

So we need to send everything to the county commission to try to do it first.

Thank you.

Council Carlisle then followed by Councilman Logan.

Thank you, Mr.

Chairman.

I move that we reconsider item number 28.

Any objection to reconsidering item 28?

All right.

Is it a number 28 on the floor, Mr.

Chairman?

Yes.

All right, Mr.

Chairman.

I move that we amend item 28, and I don't have the exact language in front of me, but it would be amending to add this section to address the county commission uh as a as a party to the uh resolution.

All right, accepted by the sponsor.

Without objection, mayor and the county commission.

Yeah.

County commandor and county commission.

All right, thank you, Councilman Warren.

Councilman Councilwoman Logan.

And that Mr.

Chairman, all that I was I would just when it's right after Councilman Logan, I would move that as amended.

Yep.

All right, Councilman Carlisle.

Oh, Councilwoman Logan.

Updated.

I just want to clarity.

Are we are we inviting them?

Is this going to the mayor and the uh the commissioner or just the commissioners?

Both.

They're not gonna meet it here.

They're gonna have an A meeting at a time.

Okay.

Well, Councilwoman.

No, what were you saying?

I think what Councilwoman Logan is saying, she wants to once some county commissioners that come before the Memphis City Council to talk to the deal.

We can make a request.

I don't know what committee they go in.

Let's make the request.

Yeah, because we can have our own meeting and invite them.

If they don't want to have a meeting, we shouldn't try to force them.

That to me is not good because I won't want them to try to force us when we've already spoken to it.

But if we have a meeting and invite them to share their views and uh to inform us, I think that's more appropriate as a body.

Okay.

So I would like to just invite them.

Yeah, that's what that's gonna happen.

I'm not sure who committee it is.

I'm sure the chairman's gonna take care of it.

We're gonna do that.

Okay, thank you.

Upmost faith in Canal.

All right, Madam Compchor, would you please prepare the reconsideration of item 28 as amended?

Yeah, I'll move it.

Thank you, Carlisle.

So reconsideration of 28 as amended, moved by Carlisle, seconded by Square Ingrim Washington.

Senior members in the queue, please prepare the voting screen.

Okay.

Make sure I keep my abstains and recusals.

Carlisle, yes.

Easter Thomas, yes.

Ford, yes, green recuse, Logan, yes.

Smiley, yes, Spinoza, yes, we're gonna do Washington, yes.

Walker, yes, Warren, yes, white recused, and Chairman Canale, yes.

Cooper Sutton is a yes, please.

Please show Cooper Sutton's vote.

Uh yes, Madam Secretary.

That item passes for a second time.

Madam Countroller, would you please call item number four?

Item number four is a resolution pursuant to chapter 9.6 of the Memphis and Shelby County Unified Development Code approving a special use permit at the subject property located at 1507 Airways Boulevard.

This resolution is sponsored by the Division of Planning and Development.

It was held from September 23rd.

Our case number is SUP 25-18.

And I believe we have a request for St.

Night Minutes on this item, Mr.

Chairman.

Madam Vice Chair, you're recognized.

Thank you, Chair.

The Department of Planning and Zoning and the Land Use Control Board recommended approval with conditions.

This item was sent down with a favorable recommendation at the July 22nd committee meeting.

It was heard and held at the last council meeting to discuss the use tire sales.

And I so moved.

All right.

Item four was moved by Vice Chair JSW, seconded by Spinoza.

Councilman Fort Cinder, do you want to say something?

Uh-huh.

Okay.

I think we were holding it from 923 because the problem was the tires.

Can you talk on what we were saying?

Because I said no tires.

Because first of all, let me just say this.

Airways right there at the Mar.

I remember that place when y'all he probably wouldn't even bought.

Okay.

People live around there.

They're trying to redevelop that, okay.

I don't want to eyes all no tires.

Okay.

He's saying 200 tires.

You're going to put tires everywhere.

Conditions, nothing on the front.

Leave it just the way it is.

And if everything he fences in, and you can cut down.

I think he's trying to bring less tires.

I want to hear from him what he's talking about.

But you know what?

Do not bring up so our community.

Okay.

I got an issue with that.

Tires.

Okay.

Now the other is fine.

But you know, he may say 200 tires, and you'll ride by there, and it's 400 sitting out there, okay?

And these people live right there on the side, and everybody's trying to tell me people didn't live there.

I know goodwill they've been living there for ever since before.

He was born.

I know they live there, and not only that, from where they are, right?

Going down uh airways, those are homes.

Okay.

And some of those are old homes, but they have refurbished and made them a little nicer.

Okay.

So please just don't put anything.

Tires, especially in the neighborhood.

I got an issue with it.

So I just want to hear y'all supposed to be coming back and telling us, so just explain to me.

Thank you, Councilman Ford.

Senior uh councilman Smiley, you recognize.

I have I have a couple questions.

This is like right around the corner for my house and councilwoman Swarez or Washington's house.

My question is I know there is some some concerns about tires.

People do not want um eye source to concur with councilman for no one wants that.

But I think what I heard the last council meeting, and correct me if I'm wrong, that any tires will be stored inside a enclosed facility, whether it's some type of container or whether it's inside the building.

Could you just walk us through that?

Uh yes, sir.

Good afternoon, council members.

My name is Dawson Dickerson, domiciled at 3147 McGevney Street, Memphis, Tennessee, and I am the sole owner of DMD's LLC at 1507 and 1511 Airways Boulevard.

Yes, sir.

To answer your question, I currently have all tires on the property stored indoors only.

There are no tires visible from any street.

And will there be the same at night as well?

So if I drive by, and I'm probably gonna drive by probably within the next 30 minutes or so.

If I when I leave here and I drive by it, what am I gonna see?

You're going to see absolutely zero tires from any street.

Will that be when I guess at the end of your business hours, will that be the same case every day?

Yes, sir.

And then I got a question for um DVD.

Um is there I'm not sure if there's any provision that we can what steps could we take, assuming you know, right now everything's enclosed, but a month down the line, um councilwoman Sword Washington um drives by that she's known for doing and she sees tires everywhere.

Because she drives by everything.

I just want you to know that she don't check up on you.

What like what's the due process?

What could this body do if what we're hearing today is different in a month or two months?

Thank you, Brett Ragsdale with DPD.

So we talked last time about the tire ordinance that was adopted by this body two years ago in 2023.

Excuse me.

Uh that's enforced by the division of community enhancement.

And so they would be able to enforce uh the tire ordinance if there were anything that was outside that.

And the tower ordinance does require, I don't believe they're here to speak to it, but I I'm somewhat familiar with it.

It does require um that they store all tires inside.

So that is a requirement of oh, there we go.

So if you have any specific questions for it, then I think we can we'll be quick to make our decision.

Could you all right?

So environment enforcement, we are here to enforce based off of um tar shops locations.

So basically we enforce all the ordinance based off of nine days, 58.

So you all have a copy.

We basically try to tackle all tire stop, and we work with other departments such as MPD as well.

So we may ask a specific question.

We drive by, not saying this is gonna happen, and so you're speaking name and address and division.

Um community enhancement environmental enforcement department.

Now Quarter is deal, Chris.

Okay, because people are listening, sometimes I'll go back to this record.

So my next question is not saying this is gonna be the case with you, but let's say you drive by this particular location, he has say 40 tires left out and create that ISOR that no one wants in their community.

What happens then?

Um first we basically educate him based off getting him understanding how many tires are supposed to be on the property, and then the next day we come back out there in the next two weeks, we assemble um site taste in the court.

If it's don't get in compliance by this time being, we hold a compliance level to keep him from getting an end-type permit.

Um, okay, so they okay, gotcha, gotcha.

Okay, so generally speaking, well, thank you.

That's that's pretty much all I want.

Generally speaking, I think I'm gonna support this project.

One, um, if you if you live in the area, you know that currently it is not an ISOR.

Um we don't want it to be an ISOR.

That's why you hear so many council members concerned about um the used tires.

I don't necessarily know, believe that used tires is the problem.

It's um people doing bad business, people not being concerned about that community.

If you keep them enclosed, you keep the tires um put up when the business hours are um over.

I don't think you have a concern for the people in the community.

And trust me, the young lady that holds the vice chair position to be chair, uh, she will be watching, trust me on that.

Thank you, Councilman Smelly.

Councilwoman Logan.

Thank you, Chair, and thank you for that.

I do want to make certain that you all are aware of the ordinance 5875, because it does give specifics under section 15-52 of storage of tires.

It gives you the the tire markings that should be there, the dimensions and how they should be stored, and it also uh makes provision for um having your permit revoked or suspended if you don't abide by that.

So I um just as uh Mr.

Q stated, we already have an ordinance in place, and we um want to support our colleagues who want to see this happen, but for the health and safety of their city, you all need to follow this ordinance.

Thank you, I'll back chair.

Thank you, Councilman.

Councilman Carlow.

Uh Mr.

Chairman.

You're good at you out.

Sorry, thank you, Mr.

Chairman.

Uh I would just add to that on permitting one one other stipulation that this body does carry from a zoning perspective at all times with special use permit, is if the stipulations of the plan development of the special use permit are not adhered to, the body can revoke that.

That is the most financially harming penalty.

Because if I have invested capital into a business based on a governmental approval, and then don't get that or or forfeit that, it's it's a very big problem for me.

So I I would just remind the body too, if you want to trigger on on something and somebody doesn't do what they said.

We never, I don't say never, I don't think it's been enforced, but maybe less than two or three times if ever.

But the reality is is on hotels, gas stations, things that you provide those students, you have the opportunity, should they not adhere to the conditions to to bring them before the body and have it?

There's a whole process, but you have that authority.

So I'll just remind the body you do carry that when you approve plan developments and special use permits.

Um without a yellow form, Mr.

Chairman.

Thank you, Councilman.

Councilwoman Logan, you recognize and I definitely want to let this anime know that the the things that we're saying is not just directed towards you because we've had problems with this a long time.

Don't be discouraged or about opening your business.

We hope you do well, and we know you're gonna file this ordinance, but it's just to serve notice to anyone opening up a business, and anyone that has a tire shop, and anyone that hauls tires, anything dealing with the tire industry.

There's a proliferation of um businesses that are not doing it right and having tires everywhere.

So this is to serve notice to them as well as to make certain that we are in line with code enforcement that we are going by this and making sure that these businesses are aware, and I really appreciate uh my colleague um mentioning that because we do have that right to do so, uh, and we have to start putting that forward to clean up our city.

I yield back, Chair, thank you.

Thank you, Councilwoman.

Councilman Ford Senior.

Thanks, Chair.

First of all, I just want to say hey, land use control and DPD, those were rejections.

I think I heard it was okay, but those are two rejections.

Uh we approve it.

Councilman Colline laid it out.

Okay.

That's just a little warning.

If you don't do what you say you're going to do, we may see you back here again, okay.

I don't want anybody not to be able to open a business.

I'm gonna vote for it, but I'm gonna pass by it every day too.

I just want you to know that, okay, because I know the place very well.

Okay, I've known both places that's been in there, okay.

And I want you to keep it kind of nice, okay.

But I'm gonna drive by there just like having other councilman members.

We're gonna drive by every day.

But do what you say, and you'll be okay.

Absolutely.

Thank you, Chair.

Thank you, councilman.

All right, seeing no members, other members in the queue.

Mr.

Chair, Mr.

Chairman, excuse me.

Mr.

Chairman, item number Mr.

Chairman, sorry.

I don't know if you're excuse me, I'm sorry, but um, I did want to offer there were three amendments that I mentioned at the last meeting that I wanted to reiterate, but also there was some discussion about conditions, and even though the tire ordinance is already something that has to be followed, if you wanted to consider a condition that just furthers that uh I have the condition here on the screen that you could adopt, but I just I did want to make sure that we got the the three revisions that I mentioned at the the last council meeting.

So go ahead and read those.

So uh if you were uh interested in a condition about the tire ordinance, we would revise condition three, which right now is use tire sales are prohibited.

We would strike that, and then we would replace that with use tire sales are permitted, subject to full compliance with ordinance number 5875 quotations tire ordinance adopted by the Memphis City Council on July 25th, 2025.

And then the addition to item number nine that I mentioned last time, we would add uh the note if required for a photometric plan for that condition, and then the new conditions.

Uh I did read in the at the last council meeting, but they're here on your screen.

And I can read those into the record if you'd like again.

All right, colleagues, I'll accept a motion to adopt those conditions.

All right, without objection, we're gonna adopt those conditions to item number four and uh Mr.

Bogas just didn't point out that I had 2025 and it was actually adopted in 2023.

So I apologize for that.

So okay.

All right, madam council.

This will be item number four as amended with the adopted conditions as of today.

Thank you, Mr.

Chairman.

Members, please catch your vote.

Cooper sudden, yes, Easter Thomas, yes.

Smiley, yes, yes, we're gonna do Washington, yes.

Walker, yes, Warren, yes, Terma Canal, yes.

That item passes.

Thank you, Ms.

Chairman, members of the council.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Vice Chair, I believe you have the uh same minute items ready.

I'll say my minute items are items number four, number nine, number ten, and number eleven.

And I so move.

All right, same minute items.

We're moved by smiley, seconded by green.

And they are again our items four, nine, ten, and eleven.

Uh single members in the queue, members, please cast your votes for our same light minute items.

Cooper Sutton, yes, Easter Thomas, yes, Ford, yes, green, yes, Logan, yes, Spinoza, yes, Smiley, yes, Sweran Washington, yes, Walker, yes, Warren, yes, white, yes, and Chairman Canale, yes.

That item passes.

Collie just brings us to the end of our agenda and time for our public comments.

Martha Sink.

You're up first.

Name and address for the record.

You have two minutes.

Hi there.

Uh my name is Martha Sink, 1288 Harvard Avenue.

I have worked for Memphis Public Libraries for close to four and a half years, but I have been a Memphian my whole life.

Today I want to ask you when you think of the library, what do you think of?

If you're anything like me, the library the answer is a lot.

There's books, of course.

I also think of computers, of a warm free space.

I think of family engagement of story times, crafts, language classes, workshops, clubs, free legal clinics, repair workshops, makerspaces, and after school programs.

18 programs, 18 branches spread across the city of Memphis, serving over 600,000 residents every day.

When you think about all they offer, it becomes clear that our public libraries are one of the city's most important resources.

That resource cannot function without library workers, and yet our positions are vulnerable, subject to political whims.

We have none of the civil service protections befitting the important role that we play in our city's everyday functioning.

We are aware that this may take a referendum, and in the meantime, we are asking that you exempt library workers from the 1984 executive order that denies appointed employees the right to unionize.

We have tried to set up meetings with the mayor himself and been told that we need to speak to Fondu Fouche.

We have met with Fonde Voucher and been told that we need to go through City Council.

We have shown up here to city council every meeting for two months, and we have been met largely with silence.

And so I ask you today, when you think of the library, who do you think of?

Thank you.

Thank you, Ms.

Singh.

Thank you so much.

Emily Rogers.

On June 12th, the Memphis Public Libraries Workers United sent a request for a meeting with the mayor.

On June 25th, two weeks later, we were told to meet with Fonda Fouche.

We were able to secure a meeting with her on July 21st, at which time we expressed our need for civil service status.

She directed us to you.

So we are here and have been for months pleading with you for a meeting for an ordinance for any action that will provide us with a union and a modicum of job security.

When people come to our libraries, they see how you treat us.

They see the effects of your apparent refusal to do anything to support us.

We do everything in our power to keep patrons from feeling like this treatment is what they deserve because libraries are meant to be a safe haven where equity is paramount and all information comes with a citation, and there are coloring sheets and board games for all to use.

We would not be here if we didn't have to be.

Thank you all for coming down.

I want you to know that we do hear you, we do appreciate you, and I have been looking into what we discussed around budget time.

We understand that you all are not paid what you need to be paid, and I am hoping that that is something that we can change very soon.

Um so we do hear you, um, and at some point, you know, we're willing to to to have some discussions.

I don't know what those things are right now.

We have not gotten a report back from the administration, but when we do, we'll be prepared to make some decisions.

So that's what we're awaiting.

And it wasn't anything for anybody to respond to.

I just wanted to let you all know that we see you and we hear you, and that we appreciate you, and we appreciate you coming down here to express your concerns.

Thank you.

Thank you, Councilwoman.

All right, Mr.

Clark.

Thank you.

Uh I think it's a great thing that our city uh address for the case.

I'm Dennis Clark, uh, 558 Poplar Avenue.

Uh I think it's a great thing that our city is receiving help from uh the federal and state level with the crime element in Memphis.

It's looking really good nationwide.

You know, when we people are calling me telling me Memphis is gonna get on a point, and we sure hoping and praying that they are.

Uh and I think of uh I hope a lot of the kids don't get lost in the shuffle because what we've seen is we've seen the middle class be totally booted out, and that means that through a lot of uh Middle Easterners, a lot of Asians, a lot of gays, a lot of other people from the islands have come and took positions and places from a lot of these little young boys that would normally be working and seeking help with mobility, but they're instead breaking in the cars.

They're not just breaking in the cars to uh get guns and be uh gang members, they're breaking in the cars so they can get something to eat, and we realize that we just hope that they can get help.

Now, and another issue.

Um, that's that's crime, and you we're watching people get arrested and they're issuing warrants, and it's beautiful.

But you know, we got a list two of white collar crimes that have went on in Memphis, Tennessee, probably for the last 40, 50 years that we witnessed.

So when we get this to Mr.

Trump's people, we're hoping and praying that you guys work in conjunction with them just as aggressive as you working through the neighborhoods now to rhythm of the street criminals and the street element.

We want you to work on a white collar crime element just as well so we can make sure we move forward and have a great city.

Thank you very much.

Thank you, Mr.

Clark.

Uh Rigo Ruizho, Abel, Rigo.

Sorry.

Good afternoon, Council members.

My name is Rigo Abel.

I live at 974 Homer Street.

Um, it's an honor to speak here once again.

Uh two weeks ago, I spoke about the National Guard.

I said that there should be more seriousness about the conditions that made the president believe military action was needed in our neighborhoods.

Several members who would oppose that decision offered silence to their constituents, and several of them didn't even show up to vote at all.

As councilwoman Sutton reminded us, when Memphis was called the most dangerous city, few leaders stood up.

I'm here to stand up and ask what this body has done.

Let me bring your attention to the reality of poverty in this city.

According to the University of Memphis poverty fact sheet, 22.6% of residents live in poverty.

For children, it's worse.

Over 36% of Memphis children grow up in poverty, among the highest rates in the nation.

I was one of those children.

For black and Latino families, those rates are actually rising.

Yet this city's capital budget directs only about five million dollars, just two percent to housing and community development.

Meanwhile, Memphis and Shelby County grant away tens of millions of dollars each year in tax abatements.

Shelby County alone has lost 41 million dollars annually since 2014.

Funds that could have gone to schools, housing, and transit.

I know about the More for Memphis plan with its 1.4 billion dollar goal, but today only about a hundred million of those dollars have been secured, a fraction of what's needed.

We cannot say we are serious about fighting poverty when families suffer at these levels.

While critical dollars are drained elsewhere, poverty drives crime, weakens our workforce, and threatens the city's future.

I urge this council make poverty a top priority with sustained investments in housing, education, transit, and jobs.

Our people cannot wait.

Thank you.

Tonight I'm standing before you first.

Let me tell you thank you for acknowledging our principals and our great staff and the fact that October is breast cancer awareness.

All of many of our families are affected.

Unfortunately, we're affected by the environments, food, deserts.

But if these were personal decisions that you are making for your households, I think you would make different decisions.

Because tonight I sat here and I listened to you make decisions that are gonna affect our children's children from the safety of the schools.

We the schools used to be our shelters.

If in during a storm, and right now, if we look at statistics, scientific Memphis has always been on the fork.

If we don't if we don't reinvest in our neighborhoods into our schools and our communities, our children will be affected.

Number seven, seven, eight, and nine, all of all those coding, those building codings, that's important that those schools were safe pavements.

Because none of our homes are none of our homes are.

Hold on one second, Miss Hicks.

Hold on one second.

Thank you, Miss Hardaway.

We appreciate your comments, but I just wanted to share with you that we don't make any decisions regarding the schools.

That would be the school board and that and the county commissioners.

We don't make any decisions about the schools.

No, you don't, but you sign off building codes on the agenda seven, eight, and nine number building codes for the schools.

So you make it okay to go to them and say it's okay to pull the safety of the shelter out.

Thank you.

All right, Miss Hicks.

Name and address.

You have two minutes.

Good evening, Glenda Hicks, 608 Gillies, co-founder of 21st Century Months of Bus.

So I'm here before you this afternoon to alert you of a concern regarding the appearance of our city, the decline that has taken place in the name of technological advancements.

Because the city has allowed all kinds of supposed smart technology to advance to supposedly expand internet opportunities to various neighborhoods.

You've got all kinds of businesses coming in running excessive cabling throughout on our polls.

I don't know if you all have noticed that this, but being that I am a retiree of like I said water, that's something that I noticed the all the lines that are running on our polls.

So we have our primary, secondary, then you have three, four, five, six different cablings running all out.

Then they're doubling the lines and they're looping and they uh have all this coding, and I'm like, you get all these excessive loops that are hanging on power on your wood poles throughout the neighborhoods.

It's very it causes a very ugly appearance for the neighborhood.

So this is a great concern for me.

Um and I think it's something that needs to be addressed, and I'm assuming that because of our zoning requirements and allowing all of these various different companies to come in and supposedly establish their businesses without regard for the beautification of the neighborhoods, it's definitely causing a decline.

So it's something I wanted to bring before you because I it's not only in my neighborhood, I've seen it throughout, just driving throughout the city, and it's a definite concern.

So it is something that I would hope that we could address because it is definitely causing a decline.

Thank you.

Thank you, Ms.

Hicks.

Councilwoman Logan.

Thank you, Chair, and thank you, Miss Hicks, for that um uh concern.

And if I don't know if you listen to committee meetings, but it is a concern of mine as well, and I have spoken with um MLG and W about that about the um about including cable uh management system in their um installation.

Some of them some of it's with MLG and When some of them may be Infinity or ATT or other companies, so but um primary and secondary.

Yes, absolutely, but I totally agree with you, and I appreciate you saying that and continue to voice your opinion about that.

Um, but we did have a conversation and um President McGowan, he understands, and um they are going to be addressing that as well.

I'm gonna uh have Miss Jia get your information and we can I'll I'd like to stay in touch with you regarding it as well.

Thank you, Councilwoman.

Councilman Carlow slash councilwoman White.

Thank you.

My butt in wasn't working, so thank you.

I just wanted to say, Miss Hicks, thank you so much for coming down today and all the other days that you come down.

We have over 600,000 citizens in the city of Memphis, and you are one in 600,000 who decides to come down here and engage and alert us of the things going on in the community, and this is a team project, and we appreciate you doing your part.

Thank you.

Thank you, Councilwoman.

Councilwoman Cooper Sutton.

Thank you, Chairman.

Um, first of all, I'd like to thank everyone for coming down and for allowing us to hear your concerns and your issues and voicing them because we are your elected officials, and we are supposed to be able to represent you all in um a fair and equality way.

And I think all 13 members up here that I serve with right now, we're trying to do uh that in our powers that we have to do it in.

And the lady sitting beside you, I always forget your name.

Miss Wendy, I can wendy because I remember Wendy's hamburgers.

I mean, because I'm hungry right now for real.

Oh, Miss Wendy.

Um, thank you both for coming and Ms.

Hicks.

Thank you.

If you can send a picture, that would be great.

Thank you, those from the library that comes faithfully down has been coming.

Thank you all.

Thank you.

One year, and it's really hard.

It's really hard.

But we do hear you and want to thank you.

Miss Glenda, send me the pictures, please.

And Councilwoman Logan is on it.

Believe me, she is on it.

Thank you, Councilwoman.

Colleagues, that brings us to the end of our public comment and the end of our meetings.

Staff and colleagues, uh, I want to say thank you for your time today.

I've got great respect and appreciation for each one of you.

There's been a motion and a second to adjourn.

Everybody be careful on your way home.

God bless you.

We're adjourned.