OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Memphis City Council Meeting - November 4, 2025

City Council — Tuesday, November 4, 2025
BodyMemphis, Tennessee
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, November 4, 2025
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:51:21

Transcript — Verbatim
1:04

Sergeant Arms, please call our November twenty number November, excuse me, November 4th, 2025 Council meeting to order.

1:17

All right.

1:19

I would like to recognize our chaplain of the day, Pastor Bryant McNatt from First Assembly of God, invited by Councilman Carlisle.

1:28

Pastor, would you please lead us in prayer?

1:31

Let's pray.

1:32

Heavenly Father, I thank you for this day and the blessings that come with it.

1:36

Thank you for Memphis and the people who call Memphis their home.

1:40

I pray peace over those who risk their life every day to keep this city safe.

1:45

Thank you for your grace and mercy that we receive daily.

1:48

I pray for the council meeting today, that all challenges and conversations would be communicated swiftly and handled swiftly.

1:58

I pray for all of our council members who devote their lives to the service of our community.

2:02

Let their decisions be just and full of wisdom.

2:05

Holy Spirit, I pray that the fruit that is a reflection of you would be a reflection of our own.

2:11

That we would see love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control today.

2:20

Bless our time and bless the city of Memphis.

2:22

In Jesus' name we pray.

2:24

Amen.

2:43

Councilman Carlisle, you're recognized.

3:02

And uh I would typically read this, but we have an appointment today.

3:06

We got to get this young man on and appointed as chief of the fire department and out of here.

3:09

So I just want to say how much we thank you in your engagement and shepherd of your plots.

3:13

I appreciate you so much.

3:20

Thank you, Pastor, for being with us today and praying with us and over us.

3:25

Madam Comp Troller, would you please call the roll?

3:29

Councilmember Carlisle.

3:32

Cooper Sutton, Easter Thomas, Ford, Green, Logan, Smiley, Spinoza.

3:42

Swearing in Washington.

3:45

Walker.

3:46

Present.

3:46

Warren.

3:47

Present.

3:48

White.

3:49

Chairman Connelly?

3:51

Mr.

3:51

Chairman, you have a quorum.

3:55

Thank you, Madam Cap Troller.

3:57

I believe Vice Chair Sword in Washington has read the meeting minutes from our October 21, 2025 meeting.

4:04

Thank you, Chairman.

4:05

I have reviewed the minutes and find them to be in order with the amendment removing items twenty-five, twenty-six, and twenty-seven from the record.

4:15

And I move for the adoption of the October twenty-first, twenty-five, twenty twenty-five meeting minutes as amended.

4:23

And I so move.

4:30

Seconded by Warren.

4:32

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

4:48

Carlisle, yes.

4:50

Cooper Sutton, yes.

4:51

Easter Thomas, yes.

4:53

Ford, yes.

4:54

Green, yes.

4:55

Logan, yes.

4:56

Smiley, yes, Spinoza, yes.

5:00

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

5:05

That item passes.

5:09

Welcome everyone to the November 4, 2025 regular meeting of the Memphis City Council.

5:16

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.

5:27

The sergeant at 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.

5:34

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

5:42

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.

5:48

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

5:55

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.

6:06

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.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Procedural████████████████████████████28%
Food Truck Regulation█████████9%
Economic Development████████8%
Zoning Ordinance████████8%
Public Health████████8%
Personnel Matters███████7%
Veterans Recognition██████6%
Labor Relations██████6%
Engineering And Infrastructure█████5%
Summary of Proceedings

Memphis City Council Meeting - November 4, 2025

The Memphis City Council convened on November 4, 2025, to approve key appointments for the Department of General Services and Fire Services, honor local dignitaries and institutions, and address urgent community relief measures amidst a federal government shutdown. The council unanimously approved resolutions to fund emergency services, approved several budget adjustments, and established a forgivable loan fund for community organizations. Significant public commentary focused on the need for library worker civil service protections, accountability regarding historical ARPA fund allocations for a North Memphis food project, and concerns over utility rate increases during the shutdown.

Consent Calendar

  • Appointment of Melvin Jamerson as Director of General Services (Item 40).
  • Appointment of Paulin Burris as Director of Fire Services (Item 41).
  • Engineering plans for Tractor Supply Company (Item 7).
  • First reading amendments to Cleveland Street Corridor redevelopment (Item 36).
  • Renewal of Memphis Tourism Improvement District (Item 37).
  • Amendments to building and existing building codes regarding storm shelters (Items 42-44).
  • Amendments to the International Fire Code (Item 44).

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Emiline Rogers (MPL Workers United): Expressed strong support for the library infrastructure funding but highlighted the critical need for civil service protections to ensure safe workplaces, noting the unionization effort submitted to the Mayor.
  • Denise Yule: Expressed that while a salary increase to $40,000 is appreciated, it falls short of the living wage; argued that civil service recognition and bargaining rights are necessary to guarantee annual pay increases, rather than one-time adjustments.
  • Alexandra Farmer: Detailed multiple instances of lack of transparency and retribution faced by library workers; expressed full support for a referendum to reclassify library workers to civil service to ensure stability and fair process.
  • Jonathan Hill: Urged the council to pass an ordinance for a referendum on the 2026 ballot to grant library workers civil service protections.
  • Alexis Agnew: Expressed 100% support for the library's right to unionize and praised the council's support for democracy; reiterated support for rejecting car dealerships and gas stations.
  • Chief Andre Matthews: Expressed urgent concern regarding a state of emergency due to SNAP holds; claimed a $3 million allocation for the North Memphis Food Desert was mismanaged; requested immediate release of funds to local farmers and CDCs to feed the community.
  • Councilwoman Dr. Easter Thomas: Stated that the narrative regarding the $3 million ARPA allocation being designated solely to farmers is false; clarified the funds were from the city's $20 million ARPA allocation for city-led initiatives including the Hospitality Hub.
  • Councilwoman Cooper Sutton: Clarified that the $3 million was intended for the development of a grocery store/retail center in North Memphis, not exclusively for farmers; noted the money was part of the broader ARPA package.
  • Pamela Moses: Clarified that the $3 million in question was linked to a collaborative research fund that disappeared when a designee left; criticized current leadership for nepotism and poor communication; warned that utility shut-offs are a real threat to residents.
  • Kelsey McCarlaw: Clarified the original intent of the $3 million ARPA funding was for the development and construction of a grocery store/retail center, not a direct grant to farmers.

Discussion Items

  • Appointments: The Mayor and committee members expressed full support for Melvin Jamerson (25 years of service) and Paulin Burris (appointed since 1998) for their leadership roles.
  • Honors: Resolutions were presented and discussed to honor Captain James Carlos Clark for his maritime and community leadership, and the Renaissance Convention Center for its economic impact.
  • Council Leadership Elections: Nominations were made and closed by acclamation; Janet Swearing in Washington was selected as 2026 Council Chair, and Chase Carlisle as 2026 Vice Chair.
  • Special Use Permits:
    • Item 3 (Used Car Lot): The Division of Planning and Development recommended rejection due to incompatibility with the Fraser community's growth goals at the entry point; supported by the Committee and Council.
    • Item 4 (Daycare): Recommended approval by the Committee and DPD to support the White Haven community; public testimony in favor highlighted the need for childcare over commercial lots.
  • MLGW Fiscal Items: A resolution was discussed to waive late fees on bills during the government shutdown, with public comments calling for a pause on the scheduled 4% rate increase in January.
  • Emergency Relief Fund (Item 38): Councilman Green explained the creation of a $2.5 million forgivable loan fund and a $260,000 direct relief allocation for organizations and residents impacted by the federal shutdown.
  • Financial Resolutions: Multiple CIP (Capital Improvement Plan) resolutions were debated, including funding for library deferred maintenance ($2M), drainage repairs at Central Station ($966,680), and the Downtown Command Center ($176,545).
  • Community Redevelopment (Item 35): A resolution amending the Cleveland Street Corridor plan was discussed amid public testimony accusing leadership of fund misappropriation; the Council moved to approve the resolution.

Key Outcomes

  • Appointments Approved: Melvin Jamerson (General Services) and Paulin Burris (Fire Services) were unanimously appointed with same-night minutes.
  • Council Leadership: Janet Swearing in Washington elected Chair; Chase Carlisle elected Vice Chair for 2026.
  • Special Use Permits:
    • Used Car Lot at 2554 N Watkin Street rejected (0-11).
    • Daycare at 1081 McClure Road approved (11-0).
  • Budget & CIP Amendments: Resolutions approved to appropriate $2M for library maintenance, $966,680 for drainage, and $176,545 for the Downtown Command Center.
  • Emergency Relief: Created the Memphis Emergency Meal Provision and Housing Interim Services fund with $2.5M in forgivable loans and $260k direct relief allocated for the federal shutdown.
  • Debt Obligation: Received report on the $235.155M electric system revenue bonds.
  • Budget Amendment: Fiscal Year 2026 operating budget amended.
  • Same Night Minutes: Approved for items 7, 18, 30, 34, 35, 38, 39, 40, 41, and 45.
  • Adjournment: Meeting adjourned following public comment.

Meeting Transcript

Sergeant Arms, please call our November twenty number November, excuse me, November 4th, 2025 Council meeting to order. All right. I would like to recognize our chaplain of the day, Pastor Bryant McNatt from First Assembly of God, invited by Councilman Carlisle. Pastor, would you please lead us in prayer? Let's pray. Heavenly Father, I thank you for this day and the blessings that come with it. Thank you for Memphis and the people who call Memphis their home. I pray peace over those who risk their life every day to keep this city safe. Thank you for your grace and mercy that we receive daily. I pray for the council meeting today, that all challenges and conversations would be communicated swiftly and handled swiftly. I pray for all of our council members who devote their lives to the service of our community. Let their decisions be just and full of wisdom. Holy Spirit, I pray that the fruit that is a reflection of you would be a reflection of our own. That we would see love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control today. Bless our time and bless the city of Memphis. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. Councilman Carlisle, you're recognized. And uh I would typically read this, but we have an appointment today. We got to get this young man on and appointed as chief of the fire department and out of here. So I just want to say how much we thank you in your engagement and shepherd of your plots. I appreciate you so much. Thank you, Pastor, for being with us today and praying with us and over us. Madam Comp Troller, would you please call the roll? Councilmember Carlisle. Cooper Sutton, Easter Thomas, Ford, Green, Logan, Smiley, Spinoza. Swearing in Washington. Walker. Present. Warren. Present. White. Chairman Connelly? Mr. Chairman, you have a quorum. Thank you, Madam Cap Troller. I believe Vice Chair Sword in Washington has read the meeting minutes from our October 21, 2025 meeting. Thank you, Chairman. I have reviewed the minutes and find them to be in order with the amendment removing items twenty-five, twenty-six, and twenty-seven from the record. And I move for the adoption of the October twenty-first, twenty-five, twenty twenty-five meeting minutes as amended. And I so move. Seconded by Warren. Seeing no 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.

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