Sergeant at arms, if you will please call the meeting to order.

Oh, yes, we have cross reports returned back to you.

All right.

We want to recognize Dr.

Lassimba Gray.

If you will please come down and offer prayer.

Let us pray.

Father God, we invoke your presence to give thanks and to seek your guidance in the proceedings of this meeting.

That what we do and say and what we approve and project will be a blessing unto your people and bring glory to your name.

Bless our leadership in a special way in the name of Christ we do pray.

Amen.

If you'll remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance.

Thank you so much, Dr.

Gray, for that beautiful prayer.

If you will please call the roll comptroller.

Thank you.

Council members Canale, Carlisle, Cooper Sutton, Easter Thomas, Ford, Green, Logan, Smiley, Logan, Spinoza.

Walker.

Warren.

White.

Chairwoman Swearing Washington.

Present.

Please show Councilmember Logan as being present as well.

Thank you.

We have a quorum.

Thank you, Madam Comptroller.

Vice Chairman Carlisle, I believe you read the minutes.

Thank you, Madam Chairman.

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

I move for the adoption of the April 14th, 2026 and April 21st, 2026 meeting minutes.

It's been moved by Vice Chair Carlisle and second by Councilman Dr.

Warren.

Madam Comptroller, if you will please prepare the screen for the vote.

Easter Thomas, yes, Ford, yes.

Green, yes, Logan, yes.

Walker, yes, Warren, yes, White, yes.

Chairwoman Swearing Washington, yes.

That motion passes.

Thank you.

We will start with item number 18, which is an add-on item.

Madam Comptroller, if you will please call item 18.

Item 18 is an add-on item.

Item number 18 is a presentation recognizing the impact of the Memphis legal community, all council districts.

This presentation is requested by Councilmembers Canale and White.

Councilman Carl Councilman Corkinale and Councilwoman White, you're recognized at this time.

Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you, Madam Chair.

Colleagues, members in the audience.

Today it is both a privilege and a deeply personal honor to rise and recognize someone who has shaped this body in ways that cannot be measured simply by years of service, but by the steady presence, wisdom, and integrity he brings to every moment.

And Attorney Wade, I'll say this up front so there's no confusion.

This may be a bit of a surprise.

But we are pleased to be here to celebrate you, Attorney Alan J.

Wade on being named to the Memphis Business Journal Power 100, a recognition that reflects not only professional excellence, but enduring impact.

But for those of us who sit on this dais, this recognition feels even more personal.

Because to us, Alan is more than our council attorney.

He's a trusted advisor in moments when the path forward is not always clear.

He is a steady voice when tensions are high and decisions carry weight.

He is a guardian of this institution, ensuring that we operate not only within the law, but with purpose and principle.

And for me personally, he has been a friend and a great mentor.

One whom I say is simply brilliant.

When I endeavored to take on the role as counsel for the commission, he was my first call.

I wanted to know what he thought.

I wanted to know his experience, and I knew that he could help guide me.

We all know Alan is just that guy.

He is a man of immense intelligence and wisdom.

And there have been been many times where many of us on this council and many members of councils before us have had to lean on him in difficult moments, seek him out as counsel, and he has shown that we are not alone.

Every member knows that this from this body that when we have a question, when we need clarity, guidance rooted in experience and wisdom, you go to Alan Wade.

And he'll give it to you straight, just like it is, and let you know that he usually wins.

We have seen it in the decisions he has helped us shape the challenges.

He has helped us navigate in the countless ways he has strengthened this body over the years.

Alan, your legacy is not just in the work you've done, it is in the people you have guided, the leaders you've supported, and the institution you have helped uphold with excellence.

And today we wanted to do more than simply recognize you.

We wanted to give you space for others to share just how much you have impacted their lives and their careers.

There are several individuals here who wanted to be part of this moment and offer their own reflections.

But to you, Alan J.

Wade, on behalf of this body and many bodies before us, and I would like to call call up former councilman Martavius Jones and Shay Flynn.

We owe you, the city owes you a debt of gratitude, and we are forever grateful for you, my friend.

Together, please join us.

Well, first, let me go back.

At this time, I would like to ask anyone here today who is present in support of attorney Alan Wade, including former council members and colleagues who had the privilege of working alongside him.

Please stand and be recognized as we pay tribute to a great man indeed.

Together, please join us in honoring attorney Alan J.

Wade.

And we also have here with the first Did I just hear something?

No.

Okay.

Will you all please stand and come and join him?

And you ready?

Okay.

We have a quick video for you.

And so just you all have a seat together right here.

And let's enjoy.

Well, well, first of all, uh, it's it's really an honor for me to have the opportunity to express uh a few comments about Alan Wade.

Attorney Alan Wade.

Uh I met Alan Wade, uh, I guess formally in uh 1992.

Uh I had just entered the office as city mayor of Memphis.

And Alan uh was the attorney for the Memphis City Council, and obviously uh uh when you're in the mayor, uh you have a lot of relationships uh with members of the city council and their legal attorney.

I met Alan Wade.

But before I met Alan, I knew his father.

I knew his father very well.

And his father was a trailblazer, and I respected him a great deal.

So I kind of felt that Alan Wade was really a good guy.

He was smart because his daddy was a good guy and very smart.

But when I became the mayor, I had interactions with Alan, learning about municipal government, how the city council related to the office of the mayor.

And then we had a number of critical legal issues that required an opinion from Alan Wade.

And let me just tell you, I have worked with a lot of lawyers, okay?

A lot of lawyers in Memphis, work with some lawyers outside of Memphis.

I can truly say that Alan Wade is an extremely competent, uh dedicated professional.

I mean, his knowledge of law stretches across, I mean, a lot of areas.

Uh is finance, it's municipal government, it's state law, it's federal law.

So Alan Wade is uh very competent attorney, a strategic thinker, and uh for Alan to be in this position, I think for several decades, uh he must be very dedicated about it.

Um let me let me just reflect on two very significant legal matters that Alan Wade really demonstrated uh some highly acumen uh in the area of jurisprudence law.

Um we had a case dealing with the creation of the Toy Towns, and many people will may not remember that.

There was a serious threat to the growth of Memphis uh because there were some Bourbonites who didn't want uh some of our reserve areas to be annexed.

So there was a movement on the part of some suburban areas to kind of succeed.

Uh they wanted to make sure that Memphis could not annex their areas.

So there was a very onerous bill that was passed in Nashville, the Toy Town legislation, which it, if it had been implemented, would have impeded Memphis' ability to grow.

So what I did, I knew this was a critical legal matter.

So we talked with Alan and we hired a very reputable law firm to represent the city of Memphis, and Alan Wade was on that team.

We took this matter all the way up to the Tennessee State Supreme Court.

And Alan, along with other members of the team, they argued this case before the Tennessee uh Supreme Court, and we prevailed.

Had we lost that Toy Town legislation, the Memphis that you are enjoying today would not have existed.

So I saw Alan Wade in my judgment in one of his finest hours in assisting our legal team and getting that victory for Memphis.

To me, Alan Wade is one of the wisest lawyers I've ever encountered.

When I think of him, I think of wisdom, institutional knowledge, you know, extreme intelligence, you know, genius level uh intelligence, wisdom, um, history.

All of those things are what Alan means to me specifically.

My most memorable experience was when we were adverse in a pretty big, pretty controversial case.

Um it was memorable because A, he was one of the most formidable opponents I'd ever had.

Um, very next level, I learned a lot watching him.

And as hard as I go, and I go hard when I litigate.

It was it was an amazing experience to be opposed to someone and to be an adversarial position and simultaneously watch their strategy and to learn as much as I did from Alan in one case.

I would like Alan to know that I can't overstate how much I appreciate you for all that I've accomplished, and I've accomplished a lot of things.

I became first black woman president of the Memphis Bar Association, first black woman, you know, partner of my law firm, won countless awards for which I'm grateful.

But for all of that, knowing that Alan thinks that I'm a good lawyer is more meaningful than all those things combined.

Because when someone who can practice and function at that level respects your talent and is willing to work with you, um, I just can't overstate how much it means and that he always answers the phone, and I know I get on his nerves, okay?

Um I just can't overstate how much it means and that he always answers the phone, and I know I get on his nerves, okay.

I call him all the time for as long as I've practiced, at no point have I ever believed that I'm, you know, I know everything, or do I have a need to be the smartest person in the room?

So I appreciate his willingness to work with me and to continue to mentor me as long as I've practiced because you know, I just still have a lot to learn from him, and it just means a lot.

Alan and I have known each other for many years, and I had the privilege of working closely with him for seven years when I served as city attorney.

During that time, we collaborated on some of the city's most significant and challenging projects.

And in particular, his strategy and leadership on the Tiny Town lawsuit and FedEx Forum lawsuit are worth remembering.

Alan has always been someone that can be relied on without hesitation.

He is an exceptionally competent lawyer, thorough, thoughtful, and deeply committed to achieving the right outcome.

But most of all, what is always stood out to me about Alan is his tenacity.

He is a fierce advocate, a fighter, someone who doesn't back down when the stakes are high, and who consistently puts the interest of his clients, including the city council, front and center.

But beyond his professional skill, Alan brings great integrity and a steady sense of purpose to everything he does.

His years of service to the Memphis City Council is an extraordinary achievement and reflects not just longevity, but also dedication.

It has been an honor to work with him, and an even greater honor to call him my friend.

Congratulations, Alan.

You've truly earned this recognition.

Alan Wade is a definition of steady leadership and integrity here in the city of Memphis.

Alan Wade is an individual who has given his all in dedication and devotion to not only the Memphis City Council, but to the citizenry here in the city of Memphis.

I had the opportunity to witness firsthand the importance of having an individual in the room who not only understands the law, but an individual who makes sure the law is used and recognized not only for the benefit of the city council, but the benefits of legislation throughout the city of Memphis and the state of Tennessee.

Alan Wade has made contributions beyond my recollection of knowing, but he's made contributions that have been impactful, not only locally, but statewide.

But leaning on Alan, he's been able to say the right things at the right time to make those debates more logical and centered.

I just want Alan to know that I appreciate the service and dedication that he has given to this community and to the Memphis City Council.

And uh congratulations, my friend, on being nominated and name one of the Power 100, well deserved, and your work, your dedication and devotion to the city council and the city of Memphis doesn't go unnoticed.

Thank you.

Hi Dad.

I'm stepping out of my comfort zone to make this video, but I thought that I should, considering how appreciative I am for everything you do for me.

Without you, I wouldn't be fortunate enough to have so many of the amazing opportunities I have today that have shaped me into the person that I am.

So I thought I would take a second to tell you how proud I am to be able to call you my dad and how much I love you.

And while I'm so excited and grateful to call the Hilltop home next year as you wantstead, I will miss you so much when I leave for college in a few months.

So I truly thank you for being an amazing role model and everything you've done to get me this far.

I know there's no one more deserving for any of the awards and accolades that you receive.

So I love you.

If I could get uh Martavius Jones and Shea Flynn to come forward, they wanted to say a few words about attorney Wade.

Madam Chair, would you put a clock on Shea Flynn, please?

I sure will.

Shea Flynn, two eight nine three, Erawado Lane.

Um some of his detractors call him fourteen as the fourteenth council member.

And it's not really the insult they think it is.

Anything that I'm proud of that I did on the city, I did with your help.

And anything I'm ashamed of, you told me not to do, and I didn't listen to you.

So thank you.

Um, I'd love to see the actual um ranking on the power one hundred to see if they got you right, because if this is the first time they're recognizing you, they've been asleep at the switch because you've been serving this community for decades.

And we all thank you.

And we were better for it.

One of the things when this when the new council members were elected, and I'm sure probably some of you all would agree when I say this.

I said that you may not like them coming in, but you're going to recognize the valuable asset that Mr.

Alan Wade is to this particular body.

So you have done a great job and congratulations on this because it is long overdue.

But anybody who sat on this diet there, we've already known that you're one of the most one hundred powerful people in this city.

Congratulations, my friend.

Um I asked Brooke a minute ago, I said, am I getting fired?

Well, I mean, I can't live up to everything that everyone said.

But um, I do remember working with Louis Dawson, who's one of the finest lawyers in the state.

And he was honored here, and they named a street after him.

And uh he he said something that uh that was that I smiled about.

He said, You know, a lot of times people praise you for things you do.

You don't we don't do it for that.

He says, but um when people start praising you the way you have praised me today, they think you're gonna die.

And his response was I ain't gonna do it.

I see y'all tomorrow at work.

Thank you.

I won't take about a minute.

I'd like to recognize Councilwoman Easter Thomas at this time.

Thank you, Chair.

Chair, I would ask that we table item 14 without objection.

All right.

Without objection, item number 14 will be tabled.

Our hold items will be item number 15.

It will be held until May 12th, 2026.

Item number 14 will be tailed, will be tabled.

Madam Comptroller, will you please call item number one?

Thank you.

Item number one is a resolution honoring and recognizing Cato Johnson for 40 years of dedicated service to Methodist Laboner Healthcare and the entire Memphis community.

This resolution is sponsored by Chairwoman Swearing Washington.

We're so excited to be able to present this resolution in honor to a gentleman who has had so much tremendous impact in our community, and we want to commend you, we honor you, we have great pride in saluting you.

Now, therefore, be it resolved that Chairwoman Jana Swearing in Washington and the entire Memphis City Council, we hereby in honor, we celebrate Mr.

Cato Johnson for his extraordinary career of 40 years of dedicated service to Methodist Labonar Healthcare and the City of Memphis.

Be it further resolved that we extend our deepest gratitude for your leadership, for your commitment to advancing health care and public policy, and your unwavering dedication to strengthening our community.

Be it further resolved that this resolution be presented as a lasting symbol of the City of Memphis highest appreciation, recognizing you, Mr.

Cato Johnson, your legacy of excellence service and leadership will continue to inspire generations to come given by my hand under the great seal of the city of Memphis this 28th day of April 2026, Janice Mearn Washington, Chairwoman and the entire Memphis City Council, we definitely salute you.

God bless you.

Thank you.

Of course you can.

Madam Chairwoman, members of the council.

When they had my retirement ceremony, one of the things I told them, I said, none of us as good as we think we are, I only stand here by God's amazing grace.

And if not for God's amazing grace, I do not make it.

One of the things I've understood, we all stand on the shoulders of many others.

And if nothing else, God is not through with me yet, I have run the race, I have fought the good fight, and I will return.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Madam Council, could you call item number two?

Thank you.

Item number two is a resolution recognizing and honoring Gina Sweat for her service to the Memphis Fire Department and the City of Memphis.

This was held from March 3rd.

Councilman Green, you recognize them.

Thank you.

And whereas Chief Gina Sweat began her service on May 26, 1992, and rose to the ranks of driver, lieutenant, battalion chief, division chief, and deputy chief through demonstrated professionalism, leadership, and commitment to public safety.

And whereas in 2014, Gina Sweff was appointed as the City of Memphis's first ever female fire director, and in 2016 became the city's first female fire chief, breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations of women in public safety.

And whereas during her tenure as fire chief, the Memphis Fire Department achieved significant operational advancements, including improving the insurance services office public protection class away classification from a class two to the highest possible class one rating.

And whereas under Chief Sweat's leadership, the department implemented innovative programs such as the Healthcare Navigator Program, expanded youth and workforce recruitment initiatives, and strengthened community-focused emergency response efforts.

And whereas Chief Gina Sweat led transformative infrastructure and safety investments, including major facility renovations, new fire stations, enhanced firefighter health and wellness initiatives, and modernized emergency response equipment.

And whereas during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Memphis Fire Department served as the lead agency for vaccinations in Shelby County in 2021, facilitating the delivery of more than one million vaccine doses to protect the health and safety of the community.

And whereas Gina Sweff retired on October 28th, 2025, concluding a historic 33-year career marked by service, innovation, integrity, and lasting contributions to the city of Memphis and its residents.

Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Memphis City Council honors and commends Chief Gina Sweat for her outstanding service, historic leadership, and lasting contributions to the Memphis Fire Department and to the citizens of Memphis.

Thank you, Chief Sweat.

Thank you, sir.

We'll let you speak.

Just a regular old civilian citizen of the city of Memphis.

Alongside one of the best fire departments in this country.

They show up, as we say on the street, they show out.

They show up on people's worst days and they bring skill, courage, and heart every single time.

Sorry.

This work will test you.

It will challenge you, and it will require you to stand firm in who you are.

It requires you to follow through on what you promised to do, especially when that's not easy.

But I've learned this.

If you do the work, if you stay ready, and if you step forward when the moment calls for, no one can ever take that away from you.

I'm proud of the people I've served with, and I'm proud of the way I showed up.

For those coming behind me, do the work.

Be ready, and don't let anything move you off of who you are.

Thank you.

And I am proud to say that I am her council woman.

She's in the heart of district four.

We're so thankful for your service and happy retirement.

Enjoy yourself.

You have definitely earned it.

God bless you.

We will now move to our chairman.

I was wondering if I could say a word.

Oh, okay.

Go ahead.

Council, Councilman, go ahead.

I just want to say that many people in Memphis are alive today because of Gina Sweat's leadership and the fire department's follow-through during COVID.

And I really appreciate it.

Thank you.

Amen.

Thank you so much for your service.

We will now hear our zoning cases.

Items number three and four.

Madam Comptroller, if you will please call item number three.

Item number three 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 3568 Lamar Avenue.

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

The case number is SUP 26-02.

Thank you, Madam Comptroller.

Councilman Spinoza, you are recognized.

Thank you, Madam Chair.

Uh, this item came downstairs with a positive recommendation.

We do have people here if we need to see a presentation, but you know, with our new processes, I'm gonna make the motion and uh recommend that we go ahead and vote.

Again, came down with a positive recommendation, and I so move.

All right, it has been moved by Councilman Spinoza, second by council councilman Warren.

Councilwoman Walker, you're in the queue.

Yes, I just wanted to um share from last time I didn't get a chance, but I actually had the opportunity to visit the property and um walk around.

I do think it's a good project, especially with the um the renovation of the highway 78 corridor, and this is what we want businesses that are gonna locate and if they're gonna relocate their new businesses moving forward, we want them to be of a certain quality of a certain standard.

And I just want to say that um the way they were explaining it, they have a small fleet in the front, and the majority of the fleet is on the inside, and it's it's a it's a great concept, and I would welcome that to that part of the city, my district, next to your district, as well as um the city of Memphis.

So I just wanted to share that.

Thank you, and I yield the floor.

I'm hoping as well, it will be a model, it's a concierge car service, where they are only putting out a few cars at the same time at a time, and the ones that they are putting out, they are putting them inside in the evening, so it takes down theft.

You don't have a lot of cars out.

So hopefully, this will be the new norm of the car services and car businesses that we're having.

With all that being said, we will take it to a vote.

Madam Comptroller, if you will please prepare the screen for the vote.

Canale, yes, Carlisle, yes, Cooper Sutton, yes, Easter Thomas, yes, Ford, yes, green, yes, Logan, yes, Spinoza, yes, Walker, yes, Warren, yes, white, yes, chairwoman Swearing Washington, yes.

That item passes, madam comptroller.

If you will please call item number four.

Item number four is a zoning ordinance, amending ordinance number five three six seven of the code of ordinances, city of Memphis, Tennessee, adopted on August 10th, 2010, as amended, known as the Memphis and Shelby County Unified Development Code to authorize a zoning use district reclassification for land located on Tully Street and Woodlawn Street by taking the land out of the residential urban use district and including it in the mixed use district up for third and final reading.

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

The case number is Z26-01.

The ordinance number is 5970.

Councilman Spinoza, you're recognized.

Thank you, Madam Chair.

Um just came downstairs with a positive recommendation.

DPD is here if any council member has any questions, but again, it came down with the positive recommendation, and I will move it.

Okay, here no councilman in the queue.

It has been moved by Councilman Spinoza, second by Councilman Ford Canale.

Madam Comptroller, if you will please prepare the screen for the vote.

I'm sorry.

Okay.

Um someone from DBT clarify that's division of plan development.

Sorry, what was the question?

Coming out the resident.

Tommy Mike, please.

Are you in opposition?

There's no residents in opposition.

Okay.

That's what I was trying to find out.

It was it's as far as third reading, I just couldn't remember, couldn't remember it.

And that's what I was trying to make sure.

Yes, you're correct.

Okay, all right.

Thank you.

I appreciate it.

That's what I thought.

Thank you, Chairwoman.

You're welcome.

Council, please cast your votes.

Cast your vote.

Canale, yes, Carlisle, yes, Cooper Sutton, yes, Easter Thomas, yes, Ford, yes, Green, yes, Logan, yes, Spinoza, yes, Walker, yes, Warren, yes, Chairwoman Swearridge in Washington, yes.

That item passes.

We're now at the fiscal consent agenda.

Item number five.

Madam Comptroller, please call the fiscal consent agenda, item number five with same night minutes.

Thank you.

Item number five is a resolution to accept and appropriate nine thousand one hundred and fifty dollars from the Tennessee Historical Commission for Memphis Landmarks Commissioner staff and neighborhood representative training.

All council districts.

This resolution is sponsored by the administration, and there is a request for same night minutes.

Thank you, madam chair.

This item has been moved by Vice Chair Carlisle.

Second by Councilman Dr.

Warren.

Madam Controller, if you will please prepare the screen for the vote.

Canale, yes, Carlisle, yes, Cooper Sutton, yes, Easter Thomas, yes, Ford, yes, Green, yes, Logan, yes, Spinoza, yes, Walker, yes, Warren, yes, White, yes, Chairwoman Swearing Washington, yes.

That item passes.

We will now move to our MLGW fiscal consent agenda item six through 13.

Madam Comptroller, please call the MLGW fiscal consent agenda item six through thirteen.

Thank you.

Item number six is a resolution awarding a purchase order for class eight 55 foot bucket trucks to all tech industries incorporated in the amount of 550,854.

Item number seven is a resolution approving the scope expansion, renewal, and increase to contract number one two four zero nine, trash removal services with BFI Waste Services, LLC, doing business as Republic Services of Memphis to expand the scope, renew and increase the current contract in the funded amount of 461,421 dollars and 31 cents.

Item number eight is a resolution approving the scope change and increase to contract number 12491, North Service Center and Expansion Sites, Environmental Site Investigation with InSafe Inc.

to expand the scope and increase the current contract value in the funded amount of 996,250.

Item number nine is a resolution approving renewal and increase to contract number one two two three eight electric substation construction and maintenance services with RMS Energy Company LLC to renew the current contract and increase the contract value in the funded amount of twelve million dollars.

Item number 10 is a resolution awarding contract number 1266, Allen Pumping Station Construction Engineering and Inspection Services to HDR Engineering Inc.

in the funded amount of six million thirty-five thousand four hundred and ninety-one dollars.

Item number eleven is a resolution approving the ratification increase and extension to contract number one two zero two nine physical archive storage with vital records control inc to ratify increase and extend the current contract in the funded amount of nine thousand five hundred three dollars and thirty cents.

Item number twelve is a resolution awarding a purchase order for half-ton four-wheel drive pickup trucks to Wilson County Motors LLC in the funded amount of one million two hundred and sixty-three thousand nine hundred and ninety-nine dollars and eighty cents.

And our final item number thirteen is a resolution approving the ratification of purchase order number seven zero seven nine six three one with seven states of power corporation for seven electric vehicle charging equipment in the amount of eight hundred eighty-five thousand six hundred forty-seven dollars and seventy-one cents.

Madam Chairwoman, that concludes our MLGW consent items.

Thank you, Madam Comptroller.

Councilwoman Walker, you are recognized.

Thank you, Madam Chair.

The committee met with a favorable recommendation and I so move.

If you'll move electronically, all right, it's been moved by councilwoman walker, second by councilman Warren.

Madam Comptroller, if you will please prepare the screen.

Yes, Logan, yes, Spinoza, yes, Walker, yes, Warren, yes, white, yes, chairwoman Swearington, Washington, yes.

That item passes.

We will now move to our regular agenda.

Items number 16 and 17.

Madam Controller, if you will please call item number 16.

Item number 16 is a resolution to accept the recommendations of the parks and environment ad hoc committee.

All council districts.

This resolution is sponsored by the Memphis City Council.

This item was held from March 24th.

Councilman Warren, you're recognized.

Thank you, man.

Thank you, Madam Chair.

Committee met, and this was brought down.

Uh think without a recommendation, and I said move.

All right, it's been moved by councilman Dr.

Warren.

Oh, second.

It's been second by Councilwoman Cooper Sutton.

Dr.

Warren, you are recognized at this time.

Thank you, Madam Chair.

Do we have any people speaking on this item?

Miss Allison, do we have any cards regarding item number 16?

No, sir.

Okay.

Actually, I was wrong.

This is to invite this was with uh recommendation to adopt this.

You want to adopt item number two.

Yeah, I'm gonna say uh this item.

Uh I think I would like if we possibly could to table.

I'd like to move to table that's it.

So I think Madam Chair, so he made the motion, right?

And it was seconded.

So I'll go ahead and interject, and I'll the second was Cooper Sutton's, I believe.

No, I put the motion for the app.

Oh, okay.

All right, there has been a motion to table.

What's the can I get a second?

Is the or is there a second?

So now it's okay.

So move by one.

It's been moved by Warren and it's been seconded by Spinoza to table that item.

So now we're on the discussion.

Now we're on to discussion of the motion.

Thank you, Madam Chair.

Um, I've received a number of calls from uh people who would be affected by this, and part of this I think is going to be a problem with raising funds, particularly if you're borrowing money to build large projects, having a five-year contract uh to get a large commitment for uh bringing extra capital in is not good.

So I felt like we could table this that would give us more time if we're going to actually change this to do it, and we can bring it back when we have it uh in better position.

We have held this item on the 1216, 113, 127, 224, and 324.

So that's a sign I don't think that we have it ready, even though it's been worked on.

I think recently by our uh our legal teams.

I think there needs to be more discussion with the groups involved.

I think the committee met and looked at leases.

I'm not sure how much interaction there was with each one of the groups.

Uh so therefore I think tabling makes sense at this time.

Thank you, madam chair.

Thank you.

Councilman For Canale, you're recognized.

Thank you, Madam Chair.

Uh, before we vote on the table, um I would like to ask the sponsor if we could send it back to hold it and send it back to committee for further discussion.

Um, if there are some changes that need to be made, I think that makes more sense than than tabling it at this point.

All right.

Carlisle is in the queue.

Carlisle.

All right.

Uh, I think we've got speakers.

I know they're gonna come up and say basically what councilman Warren probably just said, so it'll be something of the version.

Here's uh I'm just looking at this document.

It's kind of a non-sequitur, but it's not.

If it's like any other resolution, it's basically asking the administration to ensure the leases and management agreements contain reporting compliance language.

Okay, nothing wrong with that.

Uh and if if somebody's not doing their job, it you know, they have to get their partner in the contract to agree to it, but if they're able to get the provision in there, it's basically asking the administration one to put a provision in and get their partner to agree to set provision before they even execute the agreement.

But if they were to agree to that that provision, and they don't comply, there may be some sort of clawback.

So we're just asking the administration to do that.

That's one.

Two, it is what it is, it's transparency in a word.

It's basically saying, hey, walk members through these leases and make sure that they understand them.

Okay, nothing wrong with that.

Number three is a non sequitur.

I hear the point, and and I can offer, I wrote down that I can offer a friendly amendment to it to make it easy.

But here's the deal.

Most contracts are five years, management agreements can be longer.

We mirrored the RDCs, which is now the partnership to 13 to match the funding.

Actually, your sister did that when she was our liaison.

There are many reasons.

Here's how I read the language as is.

It says it's our preference that they not exceed five.

Which means if there are special circumstances, then it's the onus is on the partner and the administration to come before the body and stipulate why they need more time.

So it's basically setting a baseline of like what's going on.

There's nothing wrong with that.

So if if you want, I'll offer a friendly amendment to clean up the language, but we don't have to.

But I would say you you could just generally take number three and say, in an effort to maintain oversight and accountability, Memphis City Council recommends the administration not recommend any lease agreement under the parks division for a period not to exceed five years.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the administration may recommend a lease over five years and extenuating options based on a set of circumstances.

So if an organization were to come forward and say, hey, we need to amend our agreement to go raise money, the first person they're gonna call is the mayor anyway.

Because we've already done that.

We did it when the RDC.

So this is like a big non-issue.

Like I got it that no organization wants to have like any any check on them or anything in the way they may cause like a hiccup, but like this is a non-issue.

We're gonna waste a bunch of time sending this back.

And the last thing I want to say about all this holding of documents is gotta stop.

Like it's not good government, and it's not real notice to hold a document for six, eight, nine, ten, twelve months.

Like we've got this thing from more from Memphis on here.

Like it should start completely over.

And it's nothing about the sponsor or the individuals, it's like literally that thing has been on here so long that we could bring it off the table right now and pass it, and no one would know we did it.

So, like that stuff's gotta stop.

So if the document's not ready, it's not ready.

It's gotta stop coming down here and getting held and held and held.

That being said, this is a series of recommendations to the administration.

It's a non-sequitur.

We just kind of need to either let's move on.

Like we got stuff to do.

So with that, I yield the floor.

I'm happy to offer that if the sponsor wants it, but I mean, this is a this is a total non-issue that we're making an issue.

Councilwoman Cooper Sudden.

Thank you, Chairwoman.

Thank you, Vice Chair uh Carlisle, for making it very simple.

There's nothing here, it's very it is transparent, up or down.

I mean, it's just still um I went through the legal process.

Um, it was uh my first ad hoc committee.

We got the University of Memphis involved to make sure that we uh understood and follow the guidelines, but I would like Chief Gibson to speak on it because she was she helped us and the team and the ad hoc to make sure that uh when we bring it forth, it would not have an issue.

And so I totally concur with Vice Chair Carlisle.

It's just simple.

I mean, what's hard about it?

It's just transparency.

Well, it fundamentally doesn't change a lot of things, and I think that's an important tenera Gibson 125 North Maine Chief Legal Officer for the City of Memphis.

Um if you read the language, because I've gotten several phone calls about this also.

If you read the language, it's quite intentional and it states the clause that precedes the preference to not have a lease exceeding a term of five years, says lease lesssees will be limited to a term commensurate with the purpose of the lease.

So for instance, that's very intentional language.

So if the the work to be performed, or if the nature of the lease is such that it wouldn't, five years wouldn't be commensurate with the work.

For instance, if we look at the the Brooks Museum, we couldn't give them a five-year lease.

You can't stand up a museum that fast, for instance.

It may need to be 50.

So it's acknowledging the fact that we'll be more, you know, conscious of the fact that when we're you know setting lease terms or recommending lease terms, that we're it's not just throwing out 99-year leases or not just giving everyone a 50-year lease, it's being conscious of you know, when recommending a lease term that is commensurate with what we're trying to accomplish.

And I think that's the language that everyone overlooked and went right to to Vice Chair Carlisle's point.

It's a preference for five years, so that is a baseline, but in no way has it restricted the administration or the council in any way whatsoever.

It sounds like he's given opportunity of having a case-by-case basis.

Absolutely.

That's it.

All right, colleagues, we do have four cards.

Madison Miller.

Okay.

Um good afternoon, thank you.

May I defer my time back to Carissa Husong?

No, we're not gonna do that.

Okay, okay.

Just okay.

Um, I'm do not need time.

Thank you so much.

Okay, Dr.

Stewart Burgess.

Good afternoon, everybody.

Thank you for your service and your time.

I'm Dr.

Stuart Burgess.

I'm the CEO of the Children's Museum of Memphis since August of 2019.

We see about quarter of a million family members, children, and adults per year of those.

46, fully 46% are from families of color.

Our income demographic is actually uh blocks out as a median of low income, not middle or high, based on our visitor bureau statistics.

We see between 30 and 40,000 school visitors each year, and 82% of those are Title I schools.

Our mission is about getting kids to fall in love with learning.

And I hear the notes about um exceptions.

Ours would have to be an exception and a really strong one.

So the minute that we're not like we have to have a long-term lease all the time for every year's fundraising for every grant we apply to, for every partnership that we enter into, one of the very first questions is how long's your lease?

How long are you there?

How long are you in control of the property?

And so the city doesn't maintain our property, doesn't manage any part of our operations.

Our bylaws don't allow for that.

Um so our board wouldn't go for it.

So the moment that we get a short lease is the moment we have to start shopping.

And I'm not that's not any sort of like threat.

That's not any sort of threat.

It literally means we can't do business under that.

I'm right at the beginning of uh the plans for an $18 million capital campaign to improve the campus.

What would be one of our very first steps is to bring it to you all to make sure that you are in line with it.

All of our stuff is transparent, our 990s are out there.

Some of the things that might be preferred for us to do in this agreement.

Um, we actually it wouldn't actually be appropriate for us to be that transparent because we have a board.

We're not signed, and we have a leaseholder, but we're not signing up for another manager.

Okay, thank you.

Thank you, guys.

I'm gonna pass.

Okay.

Carissa Husang forgive me if I mispronounced it.

That's okay.

Um, Carissa Husong, 1912 Central Avenue.

I represent the Metal Museum.

The Metal Museum is the only institution of its kind in North America and is proud to be located in Memphis.

This is a really exciting time for us.

Labor Day weekend, we will be opening our doors to the our new building, the former Memphis College of Art building in Overton Park, and we hope you will all join us for the upcoming celebrations.

If the proposed ordinance was passed prior to our starting this project, it would not have happened.

And it would will pose serious challenges for the community if it's adopted.

We have a long-term lease with the city that has enabled us to raise approximately 30 million dollars, over half of which has come from out from donors outside of the city of Memphis.

Our donors, both local and national, would not have provided funds for the project if we did not have a long-term lease.

The return on investment for a five-year lease is simply not there.

Had we been invited to the ad hoc committee meetings where this ordinance was discussed, we could have shared our concerns and answered any questions you may have had about our operations, use of and investment in city-owned property.

For context, we signed our current lease in May of 2022.

We were unable to raise the bulk of the funds until that time because donors did not want to give money to a project that might not happen.

We then needed time to finish the architectural drawings.

Construction has taken nearly two years, and we will need additional time to move our collections and programs into the new building.

If we were under operating under a five-year lease, this would give given us less than a year in the building before our lease was potentially terminated.

No non-for-profit entity would make this kind of risky investment.

Um, as an overton park partner, I'm deeply distressed about the impact the proposed ordinance will have on the future of the Brooks Museum.

Prior to deciding to move their operations downtown, renovation of the current building was estimated to be 80 million dollars.

So I thank you.

Um don't you already have a long-term lease?

You have one, right?

We do.

This is for moving forward, correct?

This is correct, and this is not an ordinance, it's a resolution.

So it's not an ordinance, it's a resolution.

And the things that you just shared are the things that you would should be sharing anyways.

And while we do that, I mean, this is not what that's about, and I'm not sure how you how you came about it.

But we want the children's museum and the middle museum.

And so this is not to interrupt or take any powers from you or mess with your monies or anything.

Carlisle, just explain that.

Vice Chair, just explain that.

So first let's get this understood.

On the record, it's not an audience, it's a resolution.

Thank you.

Thank you, Chief.

Councilman, you're recognized this time, Vice Chair.

Thank you, Madam Chair.

Yeah, I I appreciate you all the work that you do and coming down here.

I I think I've supported every organization.

The city is more than happy to stand as your partner and allowing you the opportunity to occupy our real estate and for the services that you provide.

To my colleagues' point, this is the stuff that absolutely kills me.

One person came down and said, This is all the things that we do, which is why we lease you the space.

The other one is a repurposed building, which you were awarded because you said you could raise the money based on the lease.

Like I don't want to look again.

This is because we've already spent too much time today on this.

This is a non-issue.

Every lease, whether this document exists or not, has to go to the administration and they decide what they want it to be.

The council is just taking a position saying if there is not a reason for a lease, like we're raising 30 million dollars or on an 18 million dollar a year capital campaign, like I would love to see you try to move the children's museum.

I will laugh all the way home.

Like that is crazy talk to come down here.

Like I know your donors, like I know your big donors.

I know who they are.

Like that kind of stuff and like pitching like who you serve when we're talking about whether or not the council and the administration should recommend a 10 or 15 or 99 year lease is insane to me.

Like we're talking about best real estate practices, not service.

And like it's the administration's job to do everything that you just said, which is vet, which is bet those things, and then to bring to the council the reason that they chose to do an eight, nine, thirty, forty, and then the lease.

And it's the council's job then to go forward and determine whether that that is an appropriate use of that real estate.

All we're doing is setting the stage.

That's it.

This we gotta move on.

Thank you, Madam Chair.

Councilwoman Easter Thomas, you're recognized.

Chair to the maker of the resolution.

It is yours, right?

Cooper, okay, because it says city council, but I just wanted to be sure.

Would you entertain a friendly amendment to remove number three?

No, I'm not no, because we work very hard and it's self-explanatory.

We're not, I mean, it's not yeah, and I'm and I want to call the question.

Dr.

Warren, you recognize and then I'll get you Chief Gibson.

I'm sorry.

Thank you, Madam Chair.

You know, one of the reasons we're having this discussion is when this document originally came out, it was in a very different format.

And as this committee worked, you know, some of the ways and some of the things that were done seemed to be incredibly aggressive over sight, like somehow we were going to come in and start to run these nonprofits.

It has been gradually improved over time, but what's happened is if men perceive events as real, they're real in their consequences.

So if we have nonprofits out there that are thinking that we're really wanting to try to come in and insert city council into their day-to-day business, when they're doing things that we don't have time to do and we need them to do, it will affect how they fundraise, it will affect how they act, and it'll affect their entire organization, and as we move forward our city.

So that was the reason that the motion we're voting on now is to table this, and if we want to bring it back in another forum, we can work on it, and it won't come back every week and it won't be taken away.

So in my mind, you know, what we need to do is table this because as councilman Carloff said, we've been dealing with this for quite some time.

We've held it six times.

Obviously, there's some reason we had to hold it six times.

I think it's not in the city's best interest to do this, and if there's something in here that we want, we can bring it back.

But I think we can ask for that same sort of clarity about their organization and their funding, etc.

Every time they come to us for any any funding.

So in my mind, table in this will make this go away.

Thank you.

Councilwoman Cooper Sutton.

I'm sorry, Chairwoman.

Let Councilman Ford go ahead on and speak.

He was he's been in the queue, and I'm okay with that.

And then after that, I will call the question and we can move forward.

Nothing changes if nothing changes.

Councilman Ford, you recognize it.

Thank you, Chair.

I've been listening to this.

I really want to city attorney one more time with your ass, and then I want to talk this morning.

Some of y'all waiting on me.

We lost a lot of money.

So when you get to speak, the ones we went down, I won't tell you about losing money.

I'm talking about the Mississippi over there in Arkansas.

Okay.

We love to do things.

We have ideas.

We don't deal with Mississippi and Arkansas.

Everything that we want.

They do it.

Do things.

We lose a lot of money.

Y'all don't understand that.

The biggest folks that come to this city that helped us.

Because when it comes down to taxes, we have one time.

We gotta bring somebody in that's gonna help.

Do some things.

They put a halt on things.

And uh please forgive me.

You said they ain't gonna go nowhere.

Please don't tell me they won't go nowhere.

People love to leave Memphis.

You go right on across the line because everybody's gonna come from Mississippi to Memphis.

Spend money only in their state.

They're gonna take everything away from us that they'll come in here.

Jobs.

Get on 55 in the state at 5 30 in the morning.

Come and know.

Huh?

I'm talking about money.

Yeah.

Yeah.

I want you to listen.

I listen to you.

Okay.

I think all of this is very important.

Okay.

Mill museum came up here.

Please don't tell me they might not leave.

We got the children's museum.

You know who almost ran it?

Until I kind of stopped it.

South Haven, Mississippi.

That's what I'm talking about.

And that's parts.

If you want to say parts.

Get off.

Go down to landing center right now.

I ain't talking about y'all living in East Memphis and all the rest, because y'all got everything else out there, and y'all don't even think y'all live Memphis.

Okay.

I'm just gonna be on it.

Go on.

That's the problem.

Don't listen to a fool.

I'm tired of losing money here.

They getting ready to build everything against us.

We need what we can get.

I'm gonna be quiet for a minute, but he can go on about his business.

I really don't care.

Because you know what?

That's where funds come in that we're losing too.

Don't get me started today.

I'm gonna let you talk because I'm gonna be quiet for a minute, but you know what?

Don't get this started because some of these folks that we've given millions, millions, millions.

I want them to pay us back.

Because they don't care nothing about this city, none but what we can give them.

A lot of things that we need to wake up, y'all.

I'm just telling you, little things, you just don't know what you do.

But if you were in the meeting this morning, something stopped.

That's kind of sad.

We give it away.

We get a store away.

Go on.

Thank you.

Chief, can you offer some context, please?

I can.

So the original resolution when it was presented to our office was presented in a highly restrictive form.

There were about 10 conditions, 10 conditions that will restrict our ability to negotiate a contract.

So you know, I work with Councilwoman Cooper Sutton for several months to come to some agreement around what might be workable.

I'm a bit respectfully baffled by some of the things I've heard here today, because I'm actually when you read what it says, it doesn't operate the way that is causing this concern.

And so I'm trying to highlight the fact that we were very careful.

And if you you all have engaged me enough to to to know that anything that encroaches on the mayor's contracting authority, I'm not going to agree to anyway, as an initial matter.

So we try to work in between those lines because leases have to come before the council for approval anyway.

And so at the end of the day, we are, you know, we try to build these things into our leases during the negotiations period anyway.

You know, the transparency, we we want at least our administration tries to have a you know open dialogue with the council members anyway.

And so, you know, the compliance we do anyway.

So we're memorializing those things.

As to the five-year lease, the words in this document, not the perspective, not the concern, the actual words, the way they operate, are a recommendation to be mindful of what we are issuing leases for.

So when we're issuing city owned space, if it is the children's museum or the metal museum, I can't imagine a scenario where any of one in my office would say to the mayor or to the council, we should just give them a five-year lease.

The preference is a floor, just to raise consciousness during negotiations, and it's written that way intentionally.

That and it's a resolution requesting that we do these things, most of which we do anyway, when we negotiate any contract, the term is always a point that we have to negotiate.

So it's not placing, you know, a bar.

It's not placing a restriction on any of these negotiations.

It's just saying, hey, if you know, we're leasing city space, don't start at 99 years in your mind, like we've done for for many many years before.

If it's a lease that's going to require a short term, then be open to a short term.

But if it's a lease that's going to require a long term, then you know, be open to a long term.

That's hence the the commensurate with the purpose of the lease language.

Just to be conscious of it.

But in no way, councilman or or any of the any of the council is the intent or the words that they don't operate to restrict our ability to negotiate long-term leases at all whatsoever.

Thank you.

Councilwoman White, you're recognized.

Chief Gibson just clarified what I was gonna try to just make sure everybody understood it.

Essentially, these are one recommendations and does not restrict in any way the administration's ability to enter into any type of contract, is simply saying these are things that we have identified during this ad hoc committee that are potential issues, and we would like for you to review these when looking into entering into these types of agreements.

And so with that said, I don't I mean I I kind of don't understand kind of whether, and maybe it's just because people don't fully understand what it's doing.

It doesn't in any way restrict the administration's ability to enter into those contracts, take into consideration the very things that you all spoke about.

It's not infringing on that at all.

It's just saying an ad hoc committee met, reviewed these different types of agreements, and these were some of the issues that were identified.

So in the future administration, please look for these things that we believe cause some issue causes some issues potentially, but it's in the by no means to target you all's institutions, and we do appreciate that we have the children's museum here.

It's a quite fine place to go and metal museum as well.

Um very excited about it.

It's always great to have the development.

We appreciate your service and your dedication to what you do for our citizens.

And so we're not trying to restrict you all or the administration.

We want everyone to carry on.

Thank you.

All right, madam comptroller, if you will please prepare the screen for the vote.

Motion, the motion.

He pulled the table, so the motion.

Well, let's vote on the table.

So yes is the table and no is to not table the item.

Canale, no, Cooper Sutton, no, Easter Thomas, no, Ford, yes, green, yes, Logan, no, Spinoza, yes, Walker, yes, Warren, yes, White, no, Chairwoman Swearing Washington, no.

That item will not be tabled.

If you would please prepare the screen for the vote.

Second by Cooper Sutton.

Don't worry about it.

Canale, yes.

Cooper Sutton, yes.

Easter Thomas, no.

Ford, no.

Green, no.

Logan, yes.

Spinoza, no.

Warren, no.

White, yes.

Chairwoman Swearin's in Washington, yes.

One to one.

Please show Councilmember Walker is voting no.

That item fails.

Excuse me, let's walk said no, that would make six no's and I count five yeses.

Okay.

That item fails.

Madam Comptroller, if you will please call item number 17.

Item number 17 is a resolution to accept the recommendations of the compensation compensation task force.

All council districts.

This resolution is sponsored by Councilwoman White.

Councilwoman White, you're recognized at this time for item number 17.

The committee met in recommended approval and I so move.

All right.

There are no council to speak on item number 17.

Madam Comptroller, if you will please prepare the screen for item 17.

It has been moved by Councilwoman White and second by Councilman Spinoza.

Council, if you'll please prepare your screen and vote.

Cash or vote.

I took a picture of it.

Canale, yes.

Easter Thomas, yes, Ford, yes, Green, yes, Logan, yes, Spinoza, yes, Walker, yes, Warren, yes, White, yes.

Chairwoman Swearin's in Washington, yes.

That item passes.

That brings us to our same night minute items.

Okay.

Okay.

Thank you.

Please show Cooper Sutton's voting yes on this last item.

That passes.

Same night minutes.

Vice Chairman Carly.

Um Vice Chairman Active Ford Canale.

Would you please read the same night minute items into record?

Thank you, Madam Chair.

Uh, in however many years I've been here, I can't remember a night where we only had one same night minute item.

Item number five, and with that I so move.

All right.

It has been moved by Ford Canale.

It's been second by Councilman Dr.

Warren.

Madam Comptroller, if you will please prepare the screen for the vote.

Canale, yes, Cooper Sutton, yes, Easter Thomas, yes, Ford, yes, Green, yes, Logan, yes, Spinoza, yes, Walker, yes, Warren, yes, Chairwoman Swearing Washington, yes.

That item passes.

That now brings us to our same night, not same night, but our comment card sections.

As a reminder, these meetings are for official business of the council and are held in public, not as a meeting with the public.

Any person wishing to speak is expected to reflect a total sense of respect for the office held by those assembled to conduct business.

Speakers shall be courteous to one another, to any member of the administrative staff, as well as persons who may address the council.

Each speaker must state their name for the record.

Speakers are respectfully asked to refrain from using names of city personnel or elected officials, particularly when lodging a complaint.

Speakers will not be permitted to engage in a gossip, make defamatory comments, or use abusive or vulgar language.

The chairperson will have the authority to revoke the permission granted to any individual to speak if any such individual is disruptive or does not adhere to council rules.

As continued disturbance may result in removal from the council meeting or possible removal from this council meeting.

Each speaker will have no more than two minutes to speak.

These rules are posted on the doors as you enter the chamber and as you pick up the comment cards.

But final decision shall rest with the chairperson.

No citizen may yield any allotted time to another person or speaker.

An example of an 11 by 17 poster is also posted on the door.

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

So now we're gonna start with our comment request cards.

Before we do the cards, can I make a few statements pertaining to well, it's about this film, not about him no more.

Okay.

First of all, just give at least a moment of silence for Representative Holloway.

Just a few minutes.

Then he will come back to Memphis.

Services will be at the Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church.

Visitations from 9 to 12 noon.

Service will start at 12 no.

I just wanted to make that statement.

He was here quite a bit.

He was across the street quite a bit.

He did a lot of things for this city.

And I just wanted to recognize him.

And if anybody wants to go to Nashville, just let me know on the council.

Okay.

This is the first time.

And I must say this that a representative from Memphis and a black representative have ever been in the White House.

I mean, in the Capitol bill and laid out in state.

Wow.

It has never happened.

A lot of others have been there, but we have not.

But this time we will be laying him out there.

And that's a new thing.

He deserves it all.

He's been a lot of time in Nashville and all.

So he deserves every bit of.

So we're going to send him out just like one of these presidents.

We're going to take him there, bring him back.

And the governor's office and all.

They're gonna have the state troopers take us just like President from taking the school members all the way to Nashville.

And they're gonna bring us back.

Wow.

Yes, and I think he deserves everything.

And I just wanted to say that he does.

Thank you for that, Councilman.

Thank you.

We do appreciate our Representative GA Hardaway's service, his unwavering commitment to our community.

We send prayers to his beautiful family.

Liana Benizia.

Good evening.

Good evening.

My name is Leona Venezia.

This is the third week in a row that I have spoken before this council.

Two weeks ago, myself and many of my friends and colleagues came here to ask this council for clarity and transparency regarding the investigation of MPD's violent response to the No Kings Rally and March on March 28th.

We were told that Chief CJ Davis would be asked to appear here on this date to answer questions from the community.

This morning I was informed that Chief Davis was instead questioned during a closed committee meeting at 1015 this morning.

However, given that Chief Davis is not here, I must once again remind this council of the importance of this investigation.

First, because MPD's violent response to our peaceful protest demonstrates a clear threat to our First Amendment rights.

Second, because we, the people of Memphis, deserve law enforcement that we can trust to react appropriately.

It's clear from this morning's committee meeting that crime reduction is deeply important to this council.

But how will we reduce crime in Memphis if the people cannot rely on an appropriate response from law enforcement?

Who will feel safe calling 911 if they feel retaliation from the very people meant to help them?

Despite the much lauded accomplishments that were discussed in this morning's committee meeting, the feedback I continue to hear from members of my community is that Memphians feel over-surveyed and underprotected.

It is really difficult to feel safe when police violence is answered with excuses rather than transparency.

In order to preserve our trust in law enforcement and city leadership, we need to see accountability when police behave inappropriately.

And not just for the events of March 28th, and I'm almost done, but for the MPD employee who felt it was appropriate to post a March organizer's home address on MPD's public Facebook page.

Our next speaker is Mr.

Dexter Aylesbury.

Please calm down.

Thank you.

My name is Dexter Ellsbury.

This is the Memphis Covenant, a vow of radical transparency.

Council, fellow citizens, my name is Dexter Ellsbury, but I stand before you today as Mr.

Memphis.

I am not here to ask for a favor.

I'm here to deliver a mandate.

Leadership isn't found in the budget of nearly 900 million dollars alone.

It is found in the integrity of the people that budget funds.

Today I am here to announce that the era of business as usual is over.

We are entering the era of the Memphis Covenant.

For 10 months, I have audited the city's failures while battling FedEx for my medical restoration.

Docket 2025 807100.

Memphis claims to be a city of industry.

Yet we allow a corporate giant like FedEx to practice a chronology of neglect, withholding diagnostics for 300 days until an acute injury rots into a chronic disability.

They trade on our city's name while attempting to starve out our citizens with bad fate delays.

But the true crisis is also on our streets.

On April 13th, I was unlawfully detained on Lauderdale, denied the reason for my stop in direct violation of the 2026 Transparency Act and left to suffer in a sweltering cruiser despite a documented spinal disability.

Less than 10 days later, on April 22nd, the system shaked me again.

Shortly after midnight, I was physically assaulted during a pretextual stop.

While my license was in the officer's hand, he reached into my vehicle and forcibly unbuckled my seatbelt.

And when I tried to record, I was withheld and told to be quiet.

They wanted to delete the truth, but Mr.

Memphis will never be quiet.

So day I launched the Memphis Covenant.

This is a mission for true reformation.

It is a sacred vow that this campaign will never cease until our duty to transparency is complete.

We are demanding a city where an officer cannot hide the reason for a stop.

Thank you so much.

We're now ready for uh thank you, sir.

Thank you, sir.

We're now ready for scooter more.

would never cease until our duty the transparency is complete we are demanding a city where an officer cannot hide the reason for a stop where thank you so much we're now ready for uh thank you sir thank you sir we're now ready for scooter more please just state your name and you may proceed you will have two minutes oh excuse me go ahead hi scooter more of scooters barbecue of Memphis Tennessee I was here was gonna I got it all together now which um I'd like to invite you all down to Court Square this Thursday and that's the true number one food truck meaning um quality queue since 92 in recognition of fixed 15 years would like to would like you to enjoy one free barbecue sandwich pork or chicken um I'm prepared to give away a couple hundred sandwiches to the citizens and the the people here but now I need to use my other minutes uh miss green you you got me to talk to Mr.

Zena you called him a well you refer to him as your expert in the food truck things he was helpful with getting the understanding that this red line version that was given to me by city official that it wasn't that we kind of got through that but we I would congratulations sir I would also I think I don't know if it's proper for me to ask a question to the attorney but he's looking into some questions for his city attorney if we got something in this ordinance that talks about time and places that we can do business is it okay for the city engineer to put a sign up to say we can't do it from five to seven and uh I would like to I don't know I would like to talk to somebody a city council person I reached out to some of your your aides and stuff back in my Lara days he would kind of get back at us you know but I know everybody's busy please it's kind of important to me and I'm putting together a presentation because on our side of fence I consider myself a self-proclaimed expert in this issue because I've been doing it a very very long time and I'm gonna enlighten you on all that have a good day and come see us I got um free barbecue for everybody thank you for coming down and please know we are never too busy for our constituents you'll please handle my call chair if I if I might uh we are in the midst of scheduling a call I was just speaking to my analyst about that so we we are working on it okay and you all have a great day and this is the first time someone has come down to offer us something we appreciate you if I could just say one other thing to our hearts too if I can say one other thing um the mayor Paul Young and I we spoke like twice before he became the mayor and I saw him at a a town hall meeting I would like for somebody if y'all can get word to him to come down because he's I mean the administration has a lot to do with what's going on with the food truck stuff in downtown um and I need more time if I can ever be a talk to and we go from there.

You all have a wonderful day please come see us uh and see how real food trucks operate all right we're gonna come check you out scooters barbecue believe it you have a good day all right our birthday council person has left but in his absence we say happy birthday to vice chair Carly we will now entertain a motion to adjourn all right second all right we are adjourned thank you