OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Memphis City Council Meeting – March 24, 2026

City Council — Tuesday, March 24, 2026
BodyMemphis, Tennessee
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, March 24, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:37:06

Transcript — Verbatim
1:32

All right, come on, council members.

1:39

These were the cookies we put in the bag.

1:41

Oh, that was nice.

1:43

First class.

3:08

Madam Controller, please call back put that by acclamation.

3:13

Please call item number two.

3:17

Item number two.

3:20

Attention, everybody.

3:23

Item number two is a resolution.

3:34

Thank you.

4:01

Councilman Canale and Councilwoman Cooper Sutton, you are recognized at this time.

4:40

And whereas Lieutenant Evertina Half Acre joined the Memphis Police Department in nineteen eighty-six, embarking upon a career in law enforcement, motivated by dedication to family, service, and community.

5:00

And whereas over the course of 39 years of exploratory service, Lieutenant Evertina Halfacre distinguished herself as a trailblazer, trailblazer, bear, Barry Abreaker, and pioneer for women in law enforcement.

5:17

And whereas Lieutenant Evertina Halfacre earned their historic distinguish of becoming the first and only female motorcycle officer and supervisor in the motorcycle squad within the Memphis police department, this um demonstrating exceptional skills, perseverance, and leadership.

5:38

And whereas her long life passion for motorcycle riding, inspired by her grandfather, mother, and five brothers, became a hallmark of her professional identity and a symbol of determination and heritage.

5:56

And whereas in 2010, she successfully completed the rigorous requirements of the motorcycle squad, including the physical challenge of lifting a 900-pound police motorcycle, thereby solidifying her place and a specialized unit known for its demanding standards and elite training.

6:24

And I turn it over to you, Councilman.

6:27

Whereas Lieutenant Halfacre broke further broke new ground as the first woman assigned to the department's drug intervention unit and as one of the first two women to serve in the department's color guard, expanding opportunities for women in specialized and ceremonial assignments.

6:43

And whereas throughout her distinguished career, she faithfully performed duties, including traffic enforcement, dignitary escorts, and security at major public events, while also representing the department at significant community gatherings such as the Liberty Bowl and visits to St.

6:59

Jude Children's Research Hospital.

7:02

And whereas Lieutenant Half Acre consistently demonstrated a steadfast commitment to community outreach, frequently engaging with schools, hospitals, and public events, and emphasizing the importance of trust building, particularly among children and families throughout the Memphis community.

7:19

And whereas Lieutenant Half Acre's career coincided with transformative growth and change within the Memphis Police Department and her leadership contributed meaningfully to advancing professional standards, diversity, and inclusion within specialized law enforcement units.

7:35

And although retiring from full-time active duty, Lieutenant Halfacre has committed to continuing serving the department as a reserve officer and as a member of the Color Guard for additional an additional two years exemplifying her enduring devotion to service.

7:51

And whereas her legacy stands as an inspiration to all women in law enforcement, encouraging them to pursue specialized assignments, leadership roles, and excellence without limitation.

8:02

Now, therefore, be it resolved that this body extends its heartfelt congratulations to Lieutenant Halfacre on her well-earned retirement, wishes her joy and fulfillment in her new chapter of life, and affirms that her legacy of excellence, perseverance and service will continue to cons to inspire all of us for generations to come.

8:31

And I can't express to you how well respected you have been throughout MPD and throughout this city.

8:37

Thank you.

8:38

So we wish you nothing but the very best.

8:40

And on behalf of all of us in the Memphis City Council, everyone on MPD in a grateful city, thank you so much for your dedication and service.

8:48

Thank you very much.

8:53

I would like you to say a few words.

8:55

Just a few.

8:57

One or two, just a few.

9:07

If it wasn't for her, you all wouldn't have never known I exist.

9:11

Thank you, ma'am.

9:13

Thank you to the police department.

9:15

I enjoyed it, and I'm still here.

9:18

Thank you so much, City Council.

9:21

This is for you.

9:23

Thank you.

9:23

You're welcome.

9:25

All right.

9:26

Yeah.

10:24

Madam Controller, please show by acclamation that that has been approved.

10:30

Thank you, Chairwoman.

10:31

We will know that.

10:32

Madam Comptroller, please prepare to call item number three.

10:38

Item number three is a resolution designating April 10th, 2026 as blue and green day mid-south in the city of Memphis.

10:48

This resolution is sponsored by the Memphis City Council.

10:53

Dr.

10:53

Warren, you're recognized at this time.

11:03

Please come up.

11:07

Council members, every year, National Donate Life observes Blue and Green Day to amplify the importance of registering as an organ or tissue donor, and to encourage the public to wear blue and green to raise awareness.

11:24

And whereas more than a hundred thousand Americans, including four thousand in the mid-south area, are currently on the national transplant waiting list.

11:35

And whereas another person is added to the waiting list every eight minutes.

12:34

Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Memphis City Council does hereby proclaim the tenth of April twenty twenty six as blue and green day in Mid South in the city of Memphis and encourages all residents to promote the importance of organ and tissue donation given this day by our hands under the seal of Memphis, Memphis City Council.

12:58

Thank you so much.

13:10

We'll put those not in blue and green on the back row.

13:15

Thank you so much.

13:16

Thank you.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Procedural███████████████████████████████████35%
Labor Relations████████████████████20%
Public Safety█████████████13%
Police Accountability████4%
Public Health████4%
Historic Preservation████4%
Economic Development████4%
Engineering And Infrastructure███3%
Personnel Matters███3%
Summary of Proceedings

Memphis City Council Meeting – March 24, 2026

The Memphis City Council met on March 24, 2026, to consider a variety of resolutions, ordinances, and public comments. Key actions included honoring a retiring police lieutenant, designating a donation awareness day, approving an honorary street name, adopting an amended arbitration ordinance, and holding a blight remediation ordinance. The council also approved multiple fiscal and MLGW consent items, and heard public testimony on police transparency, transit, and electoral participation.

Consent Calendar

  • Item 2: Resolution honoring Lieutenant Evertina Halfacre on her retirement after 39 years of service with the Memphis Police Department – approved by acclamation.
  • Item 3: Resolution designating April 10, 2026, as Blue and Green Day in Memphis to promote organ and tissue donation – approved by acclamation.
  • Item 4: Resolution approving an honorary street name change on South Parkway East between Oakland and South Barksdale for Frank James Banks – approved by acclamation.
  • Items 7 (Zoning): Ordinance amending the Unified Development Code to rezone land on Tully Street and Woodlawn Street from residential urban to mixed-use district – approved unanimously.
  • Fiscal Consent Agenda (Items 8, 9, 33, 34, 35): Resolutions accepting grant funds and amending the FY2026 operating budget – approved unanimously.
  • MLGW Fiscal Consent (Items 10–14): Resolutions for purchase orders, contract renewals, and a salary approval for MLGW – approved unanimously.
  • Add-On Items (24–32): Resolutions transferred construction funds, allocated parks project funds, directed community grant funds, addressed short-term rental enforcement, adopted the Hello Hyde Park Small Area Plan, appointed a member to the Public Art Oversight Review Committee, requested immigration enforcement not be staged at schools and churches (including daycares and city-owned properties as amended), and amended the FY2026 operating budget – all approved unanimously.
  • Item 15: Appointment of Judith Johnson and Olivia Wall to the Landmarks Commission – approved unanimously.
  • Item 21: Resolution approving the sale of city-owned parcels at 369 and 371 North Main Street to ALSAC/St. Jude at a corrected higher price matching the city’s original cost – approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Alexa Pouncy: Demanded the release of body camera footage of Officer Torres Molina involved in the fatal traffic stop of Donnell Maxwell, citing a lack of transparency from the mayor’s office.
  • Amber Sherman: Expressed frustration over the lack of response from council members to her emails and urged the council to use its power to request the release of the same body camera footage. She noted that over 80% of comments on her video about the officer described aggressive behavior.
  • Dennis Lynch (Sherra Club, Better Transit for Better Memphis): Urged the council to provide more funding for MATA (transit), called for continued investigation into XAI/data center pollution issues, and provided voter registration information for upcoming elections.
  • Michael Wilson (son of Lajanese Trannon): Described his five-month struggle to obtain full body camera footage from the Memphis Police Department regarding an incident involving his mother. He reported viewing only 10 seconds of edited footage, learning that an officer photographed his mother’s body with her personal phone then attempted to delete the images. The Internal Affairs complaint was not sustained. He filed a federal complaint that morning and asked the council to mandate full release of body camera footage. He stated that Deputy Mayor Antonio Adams had not followed up despite a promise.
  • Joe Kent (Taxpayer Justice Institute): Reported that his email communications with council members had been illegally blocked, asking the council to investigate and resolve the issue. Councilwoman Cooper Sutton confirmed she had to give him her personal email because his government emails were being rejected, and she requested a technical investigation.

Discussion Items

  • Item 16: Ordinance to Amend Article 8, Sections 2370 – Arbitration of Labor Disputes (Third and Final Reading): This ordinance aimed to establish a procedure for arbitrating economic items between the city and employee associations. Councilman Smiley introduced an amendment to the substitute ordinance, replacing the three-person arbitration panel with a single mediator and adding language that each bargaining unit within an association could submit separate proposals unless otherwise agreed. Attorney Wade explained that the charter requires an arbitration process, and the amendment aimed to streamline the process. Councilwoman White supported the original version, calling it more succinct. After debate, the council voted on Smiley’s amendment. Vote on Smiley’s amendment: 7–3 (Yes: Canale, Ford, Smiley, Spinoza, Walker, Warren, Chairwoman Swearing Washington; No: Cooper Sutton, Logan, White). The amendment passed, and the ordinance as amended was adopted. Public comment from Jayani Webster (CWA) sought clarity on language regarding recognition of employee associations; Attorney Wade confirmed the ordinance does not hinder new bargaining units.
  • Item 18: Ordinance on Blight Remediation and Neighborhood Improvement (Third and Final Reading): Councilman Canale moved to hold the item until after the budget process, specifically until the second meeting in July. The council agreed to hold it without objection.

Key Outcomes

  • Item 16 (Arbitration Ordinance): Adopted as amended by Councilman Smiley’s substitute, creating a single-mediator process for economic impasses and permitting separate bargaining unit proposals.
  • Item 18 (Blight Remediation): Held until after the FY2026 budget is completed (second meeting in July).
  • All other regular agenda and consent items: Approved unanimously.
  • Public Comments: The council acknowledged the requests for transparency and agreed to investigate the email blocking issue raised by Joe Kent. Councilwoman Cooper Sutton offered to assist with the email problem.
  • Meeting adjourned at the conclusion of public comments.

Meeting Transcript

All right, come on, council members. These were the cookies we put in the bag. Oh, that was nice. First class. Madam Controller, please call back put that by acclamation. Please call item number two. Item number two. Attention, everybody. Item number two is a resolution. Thank you. Councilman Canale and Councilwoman Cooper Sutton, you are recognized at this time. And whereas Lieutenant Evertina Half Acre joined the Memphis Police Department in nineteen eighty-six, embarking upon a career in law enforcement, motivated by dedication to family, service, and community. And whereas over the course of 39 years of exploratory service, Lieutenant Evertina Halfacre distinguished herself as a trailblazer, trailblazer, bear, Barry Abreaker, and pioneer for women in law enforcement. And whereas Lieutenant Evertina Halfacre earned their historic distinguish of becoming the first and only female motorcycle officer and supervisor in the motorcycle squad within the Memphis police department, this um demonstrating exceptional skills, perseverance, and leadership. And whereas her long life passion for motorcycle riding, inspired by her grandfather, mother, and five brothers, became a hallmark of her professional identity and a symbol of determination and heritage. And whereas in 2010, she successfully completed the rigorous requirements of the motorcycle squad, including the physical challenge of lifting a 900-pound police motorcycle, thereby solidifying her place and a specialized unit known for its demanding standards and elite training. And I turn it over to you, Councilman. Whereas Lieutenant Halfacre broke further broke new ground as the first woman assigned to the department's drug intervention unit and as one of the first two women to serve in the department's color guard, expanding opportunities for women in specialized and ceremonial assignments. And whereas throughout her distinguished career, she faithfully performed duties, including traffic enforcement, dignitary escorts, and security at major public events, while also representing the department at significant community gatherings such as the Liberty Bowl and visits to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. And whereas Lieutenant Half Acre consistently demonstrated a steadfast commitment to community outreach, frequently engaging with schools, hospitals, and public events, and emphasizing the importance of trust building, particularly among children and families throughout the Memphis community. And whereas Lieutenant Half Acre's career coincided with transformative growth and change within the Memphis Police Department and her leadership contributed meaningfully to advancing professional standards, diversity, and inclusion within specialized law enforcement units. And although retiring from full-time active duty, Lieutenant Halfacre has committed to continuing serving the department as a reserve officer and as a member of the Color Guard for additional an additional two years exemplifying her enduring devotion to service. And whereas her legacy stands as an inspiration to all women in law enforcement, encouraging them to pursue specialized assignments, leadership roles, and excellence without limitation. Now, therefore, be it resolved that this body extends its heartfelt congratulations to Lieutenant Halfacre on her well-earned retirement, wishes her joy and fulfillment in her new chapter of life, and affirms that her legacy of excellence, perseverance and service will continue to cons to inspire all of us for generations to come. And I can't express to you how well respected you have been throughout MPD and throughout this city. Thank you. So we wish you nothing but the very best. And on behalf of all of us in the Memphis City Council, everyone on MPD in a grateful city, thank you so much for your dedication and service. Thank you very much. I would like you to say a few words. Just a few. One or two, just a few. If it wasn't for her, you all wouldn't have never known I exist. Thank you, ma'am. Thank you to the police department. I enjoyed it, and I'm still here. Thank you so much, City Council. This is for you. Thank you. You're welcome. All right. Yeah. Madam Controller, please show by acclamation that that has been approved. Thank you, Chairwoman. We will know that. Madam Comptroller, please prepare to call item number three. Item number three is a resolution designating April 10th, 2026 as blue and green day mid-south in the city of Memphis. This resolution is sponsored by the Memphis City Council. Dr.

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